Norris Masters Vegas Conditions for Crucial Pole Position
Lando Norris of McLaren has delivered a masterclass in treacherous conditions, securing pole position for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix. This critical achievement puts the championship leader in a strong position as he inches closer to his maiden world title.
Lando Norris of the UK drives the (4) McLaren F1 Team MCL39 Mercedes during the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 in Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Nevada, USA, on November 21, 2025. (Photo by Stefano Facchin/Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Norris, the current championship leader, set a blistering pace with a lap time of 1m 47.934s. This marks his third consecutive pole position this season, a remarkable feat on a circuit that has historically presented challenges for the Woking-based outfit. The Briton’s performance was nearly three-tenths faster than his closest rival, Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing.
Title Implications Hang in the Balance
Verstappen faces a critical race ahead. To keep his championship hopes alive mathematically, he must avoid losing nine points or more to Norris. The pressure is palpable as the season nears its climax.
Adding to the intrigue, Carlos Sainz delivered a commendable performance for Williams, securing third place on the grid. He will start ahead of George Russell of Mercedes, who had demonstrated strong form by topping both Q1 and Q2 sessions. Oscar Piastri, Norris's teammate at McLaren, could only manage fifth place. This leaves the Australian with significant work to do during the race to avoid further complicating his title bid. Piastri currently trails Norris by 24 points in the standings, with Verstappen a substantial 49 points back.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 21: Pole position qualifier Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren, Second placed qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing, and Third placed qualifier Carlos Sainz of Spain and Williams during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 21, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jordan McKean - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
ForbesF1 Standings Ahead Of The 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix
Midfield Battles and Surprises
Further down the order, the Racing Bulls team showcased impressive pace. Liam Lawson secured sixth place, with teammate Isack Hadjar taking eighth. Sandwiched between them in seventh was veteran Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin. Charles Leclerc could only manage ninth for Ferrari, while Alpine’s Pierre Gasly rounded out the top ten.
Hamilton's Struggles Continue
Lewis Hamilton's challenging first year with Ferrari hit a new low as he qualified 20th and last. The seven-time world champion struggled significantly for grip during the opening qualifying segment. This marks the first time in Hamilton’s illustrious 19-year F1 career that he has qualified in the final position based purely on pace. Adding to the narrative, this occurred at the very circuit where he last achieved a podium finish just 12 months ago.
Mercedes’ rookie sensation, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, also experienced a disappointing qualifying session. Despite showing early promise, he struggled in the wet conditions of Q1, ultimately settling for 17th place.
ForbesWhat Time Is The 2025 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix? Here’s How To Watch
Starting Grid for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix
Here is the definitive starting order for Saturday’s thrilling race in Las Vegas:
- 1. Lando Norris (McLaren): 1:47.934
- 2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing): +0.323
- 3. Carlos Sainz (Williams): +0.362
- 4. George Russell (Mercedes): +0.869
- 5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren): +1.027
- 6. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls): +1.128
- 7. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin): +1.532
- 8. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls): +1.620
- 9. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): +1.938
- 10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine): +3.606
- 11. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
- 12. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
- 13. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- 14. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
- 15. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
- 16. Alexander Albon (Williams)
- 17. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- 18. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
- 19. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull Racing)
- 20. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
The highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix race is scheduled to commence at 8 p.m. local time (PST) on Saturday, November 22nd.
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