Despite McLaren`s evident speed advantage in the early 2025 Formula 1 season, Red Bull executed a brilliant strategic move during Saudi Arabian Grand Prix qualifying. This has positioned Max Verstappen perfectly to potentially overtake the championship lead.
McLaren`s impressive pace in Jeddah practice sessions led many to anticipate a front-row lockout for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. However, Saturday`s qualifying session unfolded with unexpected drama.
Championship leader Norris`s crash early in Q3 relegated him to 10th on the starting grid, significantly diminishing his chances of maintaining his lead over Piastri and Verstappen.
Norris`s incident also shortened Q3, leaving just enough time for the remaining drivers, particularly Verstappen and Mercedes` George Russell, to consider a two-lap strategy due to their fresh soft tyre availability.
Piastri had already set a fast lap before the red flag caused by Norris, using one of his two sets of new soft tyres.
Red Bull capitalized on the situation. Verstappen was sent out for an initial run, securing provisional pole and putting pressure on his competitors.
While Russell and then Piastri briefly topped the timesheets, Verstappen, after a quick pit stop for fresh tyres, reclaimed pole position from Piastri by a tiny margin.
Verstappen`s ability to set provisional pole on his first run was remarkable, especially considering he carried enough fuel for two attempts.
Verstappen Praises Strategy, Horner Highlights Tight Margins
Verstappen explained that Norris`s crash necessitated a change in approach. His engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, suggested fueling for two laps, allowing Verstappen to set a banker lap on used tyres before switching to new ones. Verstappen acknowledged this strategy was crucial for building confidence and pushing to the limit.
Christian Horner, Red Bull`s team principal, revealed the strategy`s tight margin, with only 25 seconds available for Verstappen`s two runs. He praised Verstappen`s exceptional driving, especially considering the extra fuel load for the initial quick lap.
Mercedes` Missed Opportunity?
Russell faced a similar situation to Verstappen, but Mercedes opted for a single run. Russell mentioned discussions about a two-run strategy but ultimately trusted the team`s decision, which required him to be more cautious on his single attempt.
Russell felt the pressure of having only one lap, especially on the demanding Jeddah circuit. He admitted to being slightly conservative with tyre temperature management, potentially costing him lap time.
Piastri confirmed McLaren considered a two-run strategy but decided against it due to already having a solid lap time. He felt the risk of the extra run, with the associated fuel and used tyres on the first lap, outweighed the potential benefits for McLaren`s situation.
Piastri Confident, Verstappen Wary of Race Pace
Verstappen`s pole position sets up a scenario where he could lead the championship if he wins the race and Norris doesn`t finish second. Verstappen trails Norris by eight points, with Piastri close behind.
However, Piastri is considered the race favorite due to McLaren`s superior race pace and lower tyre degradation, particularly in hot conditions. Piastri`s key will be maintaining second at the start to strategically challenge Verstappen, likely through undercuts or overcuts in an expected one-stop race, assuming no safety car interruptions.
Piastri expressed confidence in McLaren`s pace, noting Red Bull`s improved competitiveness compared to Bahrain, potentially due to track characteristics similar to Suzuka. He highlighted the numerous DRS zones in Jeddah as a positive factor.
Verstappen, despite his Jeddah success history, is less certain about race pace, citing less impressive long runs compared to McLaren. He hopes car improvements since Friday testing will aid tyre management but remains cautious about his ability to hold off Piastri.
Russell Still in Contention
Russell remains a contender, just 14 points behind Norris. Starting third, a strong start to overtake Piastri could give him a chance for a surprise victory.
Russell acknowledged McLaren`s pace advantage, suggesting the race outcome depends on the start. He anticipates a close race if the qualifying order is maintained, with tyre strategy potentially playing a crucial role due to softer tyre choices this year.
McLaren`s Potential Disappointment
Despite McLaren`s positive public stance, Bernie Collins from Sky Sports F1 suggests they might be internally concerned about Verstappen potentially leading the championship despite McLaren`s perceived car advantage. Collins emphasized the importance of capitalizing on opportunities when having the fastest car and believes McLaren might be slightly disappointed with not securing pole position despite their pace.
Marcus Prine