Max Verstappen takes Saudi pole as Lando Norris crashes

Max Verstappen delivered a stunning response to Red Bull's recent struggles by securing pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with a blistering lap that edged out McLaren's Oscar Piastri by just one-hundredth of a second.

Verstappen's performance came at a critical moment for the team, following what had been a tumultuous week marked by urgent meetings among Red Bull leadership after their disappointing showing in Bahrain.

Verstappen's time of 1:27.294 proved just enough to claim his 42nd career pole, while championship leader Lando Norris endured a disastrous session, crashing into the wall at turn five during his first Q3 run.

"F**king idiot," Norris said over team radio after the incident, which left him stranded in 10th position on the grid – a significant setback after he had been competing at the front throughout the session.

The crash seemed to validate Norris' own concerns about his confidence levels, which he had openly discussed on the eve of qualifying.

Mercedes continued their improving form with George Russell taking third, while Charles Leclerc placed his Ferrari fourth.

The impressive rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli will start fifth, alongside Carlos Sainz who delivered his best qualifying result of the season for Williams.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton had tempered expectations heading into the session, suggesting that simply making the top 10 would represent progress.

He ultimately secured seventh position in his Ferrari, ahead of Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly.

Outside the top 10, Alex Albon narrowly missed the cut for Q3 despite strong practice performances and will start 11th alongside Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson.

Fernando Alonso could only manage 13th for Aston Martin, while rookies Isack Hadjar and Oliver Bearman both impressed by advancing to Q2 before being eliminated.

Alpine's mixed fortunes saw Gasly reach Q3 despite a bizarre incident where he left the garage with a tyre blanket still attached, while teammate Jack Doohan will start from 17th behind Lance Stroll.

Sauber's struggles continued with Nico Hulkenberg in 18th and Gabriel Bortoleto in last place after spinning on his final attempt. Esteban Ocon's Haas will start 19th.

Verstappen's pole position makes a powerful statement as speculation had been growing about his future with the team, proving that when it matters, the Dutchman can still deliver.