Lando Norris has secured pole position at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, braving challenging wet conditions on the Nevada street circuit, moving him one step closer to winning his first Formula 1 world championship.
Norris, the leader in the title race, claimed victory after beating Max Versatappen into second place.
Carlos Sainz secured third pole, followed by George Russell in fourth place.
Notably, his closest championship enemy Oscar Piastri dropped to fifth place, giving Norris a competitive advantage.
This remarkable performance saw Norris drive a phenomenal final lap of 1:47.934, securing the first pole.
“Boy, that was stressful, stressful as hell!” a relieved Norris said afterwards.
Under these circumstances the car is simply connected. To be on pole here in Vegas, with all these fans braving the weather, is an incredible feeling. We have a big chance tomorrow,” the 26-year-old British driver added.
Norris currently has a lead of 24 points over Piastri and 49 points over Verstappen. In this scenario, Norris can win the title by beating Piastri in the remaining three encounters.
It was the first time that the 2025 Las Vegas GP qualifying session was held in Vegas’ wet conditions, which require completely wet rubber.
Here are the full details of the F1 qualifying results:
- Lando Norris, McLaren (1:47.934)
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull (+0.323)
- Carlos Sainz, Williams (+0.362)
- George Russell, Mercedes (+0.869)
- Oscar Pisastri, McLaren (+0.127)
- Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls (+1,128)
- Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin (+1,532)
- Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls (+1,620)
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari (+1,938)
- Pierre Gasly, Alpine (+3,606)
- Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
- Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
- Esteban Ocon, Haas
- Oliver Bearman, Haas
- Franco Colapinto, Alpine
- Alex Albon, Williams
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
- Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
- Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull
- Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
