MELBOURNE: Max Verstappen not surprisingly clinched pole position for Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix. More surprising was record eight-time Australian pole winner Lewis Hamilton not making it into the final round of qualifying on Saturday.
Verstappen, who has won both races to start the season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez second both times, will start in the front row for Sunday’s 58-lap race on the temporary Albert Park street circuit.
It was the 35th pole of Verstappen’s F1 career.
Carlos Sainz, returning from appendix surgery ahead of the last race in Saudi Arabia, was second-fastest, followed by Perez in third.
“It was a bit unexpected but I’m very happy,” Verstappen said. “It’s been a bit of a tricky weekend so far. (Ferrari) seem very quick, so it’s a bit of a question mark for tomorrow.”
“Even throughout qualifying, Q1, Q2, I didn’t really feel like (I was) fighting for pole. Then we made some little tickles on the car and that seemed to help me in Q3 to really push it to the limit; both of my laps I was quite happy with it.”
The biggest surprise of the day was Mercedes driver Hamilton. He failed to advance from the second qualifying session, finishing 11th. It was his worst qualifying position at the Australian Grand Prix since 2010.
“The inconsistency within the car — it really messes with the mind,” the seven-time world champion said, citing the afternoon wind as a problem.
“Our car is on a bit of a knife edge. When the wind picks up the car becomes a lot more unstable. But the others seem to (be able to) pick their pace up in qualifying, I’m not sure why. It’s not a great feeling for everyone in the team, but we’ll just keep working away.”
Ferrari’s performance here could have been compromised after Sainz declared he was ready to return to the cockpit, but not feeling 100 percent after surgery for appendicitis ahead of the last race in Saudi Arabia.
But the Spanish driver, who is out of contract at the end of the season, rebounded from a hospital bed a few weeks ago to the front row of the grid in Australia this weekend.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks, so to make it to this weekend I’m very happy,” Sainz said. “I was a bit rusty at the beginning but I got up to speed and I’m feeling good in the car.”
Sainz said he was still feeling the effects of the surgery.
“I am not going to lie, I am not in my most comfortable state, but i can get it done,” he said. “Obviously, a lot of discomfort and weird feelings, but no pain, so it allows me to push.”
Australian Daniel Ricciardo was eliminated in the first qualifying session for the first time at Albert Park after his fastest lap was deleted by stewards. Ricciardo surged into the top-10 near the end of the session and seemed certain to continue his impressive record of never qualifying lower than 15th in Melbourne.
But the 34-year-old Ricciardo was deemed to have exceeded track limits and was pushed back to start from 18th place in his first GP on home soil since 2022.
Alex Albon qualified 12th, repaying some of the faith shown from Williams after the British-born Thai driver sat in teammate Logan Sargeant’s car. Albon’s vehicle sustained extensive damage after he crashed into a wall during practice on Friday, with American driver Sargeant stepping aside for the rest of the weekend.
It was already an eventful week ahead of Saturday’s qualifying. FIA’s Ethics Committee had cleared its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, from “interference of any kind” at two F1 events last year was followed quickly by a social media post from Susie Wolff, who is director of the all-female series F1 Academy and also married to Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff, announcing that she had filed a criminal complaint in the French courts against the sport’s governing body for statements made about her in December.
It was all against the backdrop of ongoing furor surrounding Red Bull Racing and its team principal Christian Horner.
Verstappen takes pole position for F1 Australian GP, resurgent Carlos Sainz also in front row
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Verstappen takes pole position for F1 Australian GP, resurgent Carlos Sainz also in front row
- Verstappen will start in the front row for Sunday’s 58-lap race on the temporary Albert Park street circuit
- Carlos Sainz, returning from appendix surgery ahead of the last race in Saudi Arabia, was second-fastest, followed by Perez in third
Verstappen wins in Suzuka to close contest gap on Norris
- The win on a damp but drying track at Suzuka was Verstappen’s fourth straight victory in Japan
SUZUKA: Four-time world champion Max Verstappen led from pole to checkered flag to win the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, his first victory of the 2025 season, with McLaren’s Lando Norris second.
The Dutch Red Bull driver crossed the finish line almost 1.5 seconds in front of Briton Norris, who held off his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri of Australia in third.
The win on a damp but drying track at Suzuka was Verstappen’s fourth straight victory in Japan and closed the gap on Norris at the top of the drivers’ championship to one point.
Norris now has 62 points after three races, with Verstappen on 61 and Piastri third on 49.
“It was tough. The McLarens were pushing me very hard,” said Verstappen.
“It was a lot of fun but not easy pushing the tires. I am incredibly happy.
“Starting on pole made it possible to win.”
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth ahead of the Mercedes pair of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was seventh, with RB’s Isack Hadjar next ahead of Williams’ Alex Albon and Haas’s Oliver Bearman.
Yuki Tsunoda finished 12th in his first race for Red Bull since replacing Liam Lawson, having started from 14th on the grid in his home grand prix. Lawson was 17th for RB.
Norris said the race was won and lost in qualifying, where Verstappen pulled off a lap for the ages to claim his first pole of the season with a new lap record.
“Max drove a good race today, made no mistakes,” said Norris, who started from second on the grid.
“A flat-out race from start to finish, so it was tough but there was nothing we could get Max on.”
Verstappen and Norris were involved in a flashpoint midway through the race as the two front-runners emerged from
a pit stop.
Norris drew alongside Verstappen but the Dutchman refused to budge and Norris was forced onto the grass before sliding back onto the track.
Stewards reviewed the incident and decided not to investigate further and Norris admitted later it was just part of racing.
“Max is the last guy I expect to give me any space, in a good way, in a racing way,” he said.
Verstappen has struggled to get to grips with his Red Bull this season, finishing second in Australia and fourth in China.
But he set a stunning pole lap and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed the way Verstappen has kept the team in the title race.
“There’s no better tonic for motivation than winning,” said Horner.
“Verstappen is like Mr. Motivator. It was a flat-out race, there was no tire saving.
“For us all priority is on the drivers’ championship, for us the constructors’ will be harder.”
McLaren’s double podium extended their lead in the constructors’ title race to 36 points over Mercedes. McLaren have 111 points, Mercedes are second on 75 with Red Bull third on 61, all scored by Verstappen.
Eighteen-year-old rookie Antonelli briefly took the mid-race lead while Verstappen and Norris were in the pits, to become Formula One’s youngest-ever race leader.
Verstappen, back in the lead after Antonelli’s stop, was given the green light to push until the end of the race.
Piastri told his team “I have the pace to get Max” but Norris would not cede second and Verstappen could not be caught.
Verstappen takes pole for Japanese Grand Prix ahead of Norris
- Motor racing-Verstappen conjures up stunning pole lap at Suzuka
SUZUKA, JAPAN: Four-time world champion Max Verstappen smashed the track record to snatch pole position for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris, as Yuki Tsunoda qualified a lowly 15th in his Red Bull debut.
Verstappen clocked a blistering lap of 1min 26.983sec in his Red Bull, 0.012sec ahead of championship leader Norris, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri third.
Verstappen set a new Suzuka track record with his final lap in Saturday’s qualifying, pipping Norris right at the death.
“Each session we kept making little improvements, then the last lap was flat out,” said Verstappen, who has won the Japanese GP for the last three years.
“In a Formula One car around here is insane. This is a proper highlight for us to be back on pole here.”
It was Verstappen’s first pole position of the season.
The Dutchman is still looking for his first grand prix win of the new campaign.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fourth ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli sixth and RB’s Isack Hadjar seventh.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was eighth, followed by Williams’s Alex Albon and Haas’s Oliver Bearman.
Norris is looking for his second grand prix win of the season, after triumphing in the season opener in Australia.
He finished second behind Piastri in China a fortnight ago in a dominant start to the campaign for McLaren.
“I’m happy, congrats to Max, he did a good job,” said Norris.
“You have to credit something when it is a lap that good that he must have done. I got everything out of the car today, the gaps are tiny.
“Good but not enough.”
Tsunoda was eliminated in Q2 in a disappointing first qualifying drive for Red Bull after being promoted in place of Liam Lawson last week.
The Japanese driver finished one place behind Lawson, who returned to RB after just two races for Red Bull in a ruthless driver swap.
Verstappen has not looked comfortable this week and he again complained to his team over the radio in Q1.
“I still have the same problem, the tires are not gripping on the front,” the Dutchman said.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Williams’s Carlos Sainz and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso were eliminated in Q2 along with Lawson and Tsunoda.
Sauber pair Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, Haas’s Esteban Ocon, Alpine’s Jack Doohan and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll were all eliminated in Q1.
Doohan’s practice on Friday ended when he crashed heavily into a barrier and mechanics had to work through the night to repair his badly damaged car.
Qualifying was suspended for about eight minutes in Q2 when a small trackside fire broke out as sparks from the cars ignited the grass in the dry conditions.
It was the fifth such incident of the weekend, with the second and third practice sessions also disrupted by fires.
Rain has been forecast for Sunday’s race.
Rally Jameel 2025 to head off against idyllic backdrop of Petra
- Rally Jameel will start in Petra, Jordan, one of the world’s most breathtaking archaeological wonders, before crossing into Saudi Arabia
- Munir Khoja: The rising interest in Rally Jameel 2025 underlines its significance as a pioneering platform in women’s motorsport
JEDDAH: The fourth Rally Jameel, the world-class navigational rally for women in the region starting on April 22, is set to ignite another exciting year of motorsports action in the Kingdom with a challenging mix of terrains, desert dunes and mountain trails.
This year’s event boasts a record number of participants and international representation, with 70 teams representing 39 countries and 25 motorsport federations, underscoring its global appeal and growing status as a premier motorsport event for women.
For the first time, Rally Jameel will start in Petra, Jordan, one of the world’s most breathtaking archaeological wonders, before crossing into Saudi Arabia.
The six-day journey will cover 1,500 km, traversing five cities, including Tabuk, AlUla, Hail and Qassim. Competitors will navigate through some of the region’s most stunning and historically rich landscapes, with many stages set against the backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reinforcing the rally’s role in promoting adventure tourism in Saudi Arabia.
Munir Khoja, managing director of Jameel Motorsport and Marketing Communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “The rising interest in Rally Jameel 2025 underlines its significance as a pioneering platform in women’s motorsport. This year’s edition not only builds on past successes but also introduces new challenges and opportunities for competitors. With an expanded route, the rally elevates the competition, allowing participants to experience a blend of history, strategy and adventure like never before. We look forward to welcoming all participants for what promises to be a milestone edition.”
The 2025 event takes competitors through some of the most breathtaking and rarely explored landscapes of Saudi Arabia. This year’s expanded route offers a test of endurance and skill, blending the thrill of motorsport with the essence of adventure tourism, as participants navigate diverse terrains, from desert dunes to rugged mountain trails.
From the rose-red cliffs of Petra to Tabuk’s mountain landscapes, AlUla’s sandstone formations, Hail’s legacy as an ancient trade hub and Qassim’s deep-rooted heritage in Arabian hospitality, competitors will navigate a course that is as demanding as it is awe-inspiring. Each stage offers an immersive experience in the region’s rich cultural heritage, diverse topography and storied past — transforming the rally into more than just a competition.
Reflecting on her experience, last year’s champion Ewelina Chlebowska said: “Rally Jameel 2024 was an unforgettable experience and winning it was a proud moment that pushed me to my limits. Every stage tested my ability to adapt, strategize and stay focused under pressure. Coming back this year, I’m excited to take on new challenges and see how the rally’s expansion elevates the competition even further.”
Second-place winner Maha Al Hamali added: “This rally is about determination, strategic thinking and skill. Competing alongside incredible women from around the world not only pushes you to be your best but also fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect. The upcoming edition will set a new benchmark, bringing even greater competition and opportunities for growth, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”
Since its inception in 2022, Rally Jameel has championed women’s participation in motorsports, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by breaking barriers and fostering a platform where skill and determination take center stage. Unlike traditional speed-based rallies, Rally Jameel focuses on navigation and strategy, offering competitors an experience that blends adventure with technical expertise.
‘Karting Experience’ inspires Jeddah’s youth ahead of Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025
- Initiative took place over several days in March with the participation of 100 children from various charities
JEDDAH: The Jeddah Corniche Karting Circuit successfully concluded its “Karting Experience” event on Tuesday with the participation of over 100 children from the Al-Bir Charity Organization, the Children with Disability Association, and foster and social welfare families.
The initiative is a part of the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 social impact community programs, in collaboration with the Saudi Motorsport Co.
It is designed to inspire and educate children from Jeddah’s charity and welfare organizations by introducing them to karting while enhancing their enjoyment and enthusiasm for motorsports.
The event was held across several days in March and was attended by Mansour Al-Mokbel, CEO of the Saudi Motorsport Co. and Jaman Al-Zahrani, assistant director-general for development at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in the Makkah Region.
Also in attendance was Maha Al-Buqami, director of the Social Responsibility Department at the ministry in Makkah.
With a range of activities designed to introduce them to the fundamentals of the sport, the youth were able get behind the wheel and drive the karts and learn about key safety measures.
Al-Mokbel stated: “This initiative allows youth to discover the joy of karting while learning essential skills that could pave the way for new opportunities in their future.”
“We will continue to support initiatives that encourage young people to engage in sports, discover their talents, and contribute to the development of a vibrant and thriving sporting community.
“By introducing young people to motorsport, we are not only fostering their passion but also opening doors for them to become future champions who will represent the Kingdom with pride on the global stage,” he added.
Al-Zahrani stated: “This event truly reflects our commitment to providing children from charitable and social associations with opportunities to participate in exceptional sports, helping them develop key athletic skills while instilling values of resilience, perseverance, and creativity.”
Preparations are currently underway for the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025, the fifth round of the Formula 1 World Championship, set to be held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit from April 18 to 20.
Oman’s Al-Zubair ready for new racing challenges in Europe
- Al-Manar Racing team driver will take part in the sprint and endurance races at the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe
MUSCAT: Having won the opening race of the 2025 Middle East Trophy at the Dubai 24 Hour in January, Omani driver Al-Faisal Al-Zubair of Al-Manar Racing is now set to take on a new challenge in one of Europe’s most prestigious GT racing championships.
The announcement that Al-Manar will race at the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe came at a ceremony on Sunday night held under the patronage of Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood Al-Said, the secretary-general of the General Secretariat of the Omani Council of Ministers.
The start of the 2025 season marked a new chapter for Al-Zubair and Al-Manar Racing team as they teamed up with a new partner, the WRT team.
The team began their partnership with a win at Dubai Autodrome, and will now participate in the endurance and sprint races at the Fanatec GT World Challenge. This will be the first time that Al-Zubair has taken part in sprint races after only participating in endurance races last year.
Speaking during the ceremony, at which he was joined by key partners, sponsors, dignitaries, media, family and friends, Al-Zubair said: “I am proud to announce my 2025 racing program, which started off perfectly with a new team and a new car, including our victory in the Dubai 24 Hour.
“I am delighted to be carrying the flag of the Sultanate of Oman and the Arab world, and my goal is to build on last year’s achievements.
“Last year I finished second but in the 2025 season Al-Manar Racing will partner with the world’s most important and best GT team, WRT, so it’s only natural that our goal is to achieve first place. The victory in Dubai came at the perfect time in my first participation with the team, and it provided a morale boost and a great boost for the season.
“For the past three years I have driven a Mercedes, and in 2025 I will move to a BMW GT3 Evo, which I will use to compete in all rounds of the Fanatec GT World Challenge.
“This season is different from last year as I will participate in all 10 rounds of the Fanatec GT Challenge, which includes the long endurance races and the short sprint races where I will compete for the sprint and endurance championship titles, as well as the overall championship title.”
He added: “My teammates, German racing driver Jens Klingmann and British racing driver Ben Tuck, will alternate with me in the team, and our goal is to win the Gold Cup title. I am eagerly awaiting the start of the season at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France next month.”
Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe is renowned for its fiercely competitive field and demanding race tracks, providing the ultimate test of endurance, speed, and precision. The rounds include a number of races, starting in France and then continuing to Britain, Belgium and Italy, along with other locations.
