F1 2025 Las Vegas GP qualifying: Lando Norris secures pole, Piastri down to fifth

Lando Norris has secured pole position at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, defying challenging wet conditions on the street circuit in Nevada, making him one step closer to winning his first Formula One World championship.

Norris, the title race leader, claimed the win after defeating Max Versatappen into second place.

Carlos Sainz secured third pole, followed by George Russell in fourth.

Notably, his closest championship foe Oscar Piastri slipped to fifth, giving a competitive edge to Norris.

In the remarkable performance, Norris produced a phenomenal final lap of 1:47.934 to secure the first pole.

"Boy that was stressful, stressful as hell!" a relieved Norris said afterwards.

The car was just hooked up in these conditions. To put it on pole here in Vegas, with all these fans braving the weather, is an incredible feeling. We have a great chance tomorrow,” 26-year-old British racing driver added.

Norris currently holds a 24-point lead over Piastri and 49-point lead over Verstappen. In this scenario, Norris can win the title by outscoring Piastri in the remaining three meetings.

It was for the first time the 2025 Las Vegas GP qualifying session has been held in Vegas’ wet conditions which require the full-wet rubber.

Here are the full details of F1 qualifying results:

1. Lando Norris, McLaren (1:47.934)
2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull (+0.323)
3. Carlos Sainz, Williams (+0.362)
4. George Russell, Mercedes (+0.869)
5. Oscar Pisastri, McLaren (+0.127)
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. Alex Albon, Williams
17. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
18. Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
19. Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull
20. Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari