Norris Masters Wet Las Vegas Qualifying, Secures Pole Position
Lando Norris secured pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in a challenging wet qualifying session, skillfully navigating treacherous conditions to outpace Max Verstappen. Carlos Sainz delivered a surprise third place for Williams. This result sets up an exciting race, with McLaren and Norris poised to challenge Verstappen, while Williams eyes a strong points finish.
McLaren's Lando Norris conquered the treacherous, rain-soaked Las Vegas qualifying session, snatching pole position with a last-gasp flying lap. He outpaced Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen by a comfortable three-tenths of a second, while Carlos Sainz delivered a surprising third place for Williams.
Why it matters:
This pole position marks a significant achievement for Norris and McLaren, especially given the challenging wet conditions that often level the playing field. Beating Verstappen, the reigning champion and dominant force, suggests strong potential for McLaren in the upcoming race and adds an exciting element of unpredictability to the Las Vegas Grand Prix. For Williams, Sainz's third-place finish is a massive morale boost and a testament to their improving form.
The details:
- Q1 Drama: The session began under steady rain, forcing most teams onto Intermediate tires before quickly switching to full wet tires due to widespread aquaplaning.
- Norris barely scraped through Q1 in P13, while notable casualties included Lewis Hamilton (P20), Yuki Tsunoda, and Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.
- Q2 Improvements: As the rain eased, track conditions improved, though full wets remained the tire of choice.
- Norris initially topped the timing sheets, later seeing Verstappen and Oscar Piastri briefly take P1 before George Russell ultimately secured the top spot.
- Piastri narrowly escaped elimination in P10, while Nico Hülkenberg, Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon, Ollie Bearman, and Franco Colapinto were eliminated.
- Q3 Battle: The final session saw rapidly improving conditions, leading to a frantic dash for pole.
- Norris put in an initial strong lap, but Verstappen quickly responded to take provisional pole with a 1:48.257.
- Pole-Winning Lap: Norris, crossing the line in time for one final attempt, went purple in the first two sectors. Despite a dramatic slide in the final corners, he still managed to cross the line 0.323s clear of Verstappen, securing his seventh pole of the season with a 1:47.934.
- Surprise Third: Carlos Sainz delivered a stellar performance for Williams, claiming P3, just ahead of George Russell and Oscar Piastri.
What's next:
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to be an unpredictable affair, especially if varying weather conditions persist. Norris starting from pole position gives McLaren a prime opportunity to convert this into a strong race result, potentially challenging Verstappen. The performance of Williams and Sainz will also be closely watched, as they aim to capitalize on their unexpected front-row start. Strategy regarding tire choices and managing the evolving track conditions will be crucial for all teams come race day.
Qualifying Top 10 Results:
- Lando Norris (McLaren/Mercedes) - 1:47.934
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull/Honda RBPT) - 1:48.257
- Carlos Sainz (Williams/Mercedes) - 1:48.296
- George Russell (Mercedes) - 1:48.803
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren/Mercedes) - 1:48.961
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT) - 1:49.062
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin/Mercedes) - 1:49.466
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT) - 1:49.554
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 1:49.872
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine/Renault) - 1:51.540