
Norris Stuns with Record Pole Margin at Austrian Grand Prix
Lando Norris delivered a sensational performance in Qualifying at F1 2025 Austrian GP, securing pole position with the largest margin of the season so far. The McLaren star topped every session—Q1, Q2, and Q3—and clocked a blistering 1:03.971s, finishing more than half a second clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who settled for second.
Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri qualified third but was among several drivers hampered by a late yellow flag in Q3 after a spin from Pierre Gasly at the final corner.
Session Breakdown: Norris Controls All Three Phases
Q1: Norris Sets the Pace, Sainz Shock Exit
Norris started strong, topping Q1 with a time of 1:04.672s, nearly half a second faster than Verstappen. Meanwhile, there was early disappointment for Carlos Sainz, who reported car damage and was eliminated in P19. Other exits included Stroll, Ocon, Tsunoda, and Hulkenberg.
Q2: Bortoleto Breaks Through, Alonso Out
Norris remained on top with a 1:04.410s, while Gabriel Bortoleto impressed by breaking into Q3 for the first time in his rookie season. Fernando Alonso, who manages Bortoleto off-track, narrowly missed out and qualified P11. Max Verstappen, struggling with grip and calling the car “undriveable,” scraped through despite the issues.
Q3: Norris Goes Even Faster Amid Late Drama
With the field gunning for pole, Norris laid down an unbeatable lap before a yellow flag caused by Gasly’s spin disrupted the final runs. Piastri, Verstappen, and others were forced to abandon their attempts, locking in their previous times and allowing Norris to secure pole by a huge margin.
Midfield Highlights: Lawson and Bortoleto Shine
- Liam Lawson continued his fine form with P6, outqualifying Verstappen in sister machinery at Red Bull’s home track.
- Gabriel Bortoleto, the Kick Sauber rookie, delivered a career-best P8, making Q3 for the first time and raising eyebrows with his one-lap pace.
- Kimi Antonelli also made it to Q3 and will line up in P9, another solid result for the Mercedes junior.
Disappointments: Verstappen, Sainz, and Aston Martin
- Max Verstappen, seventh at his home race venue, was visibly frustrated after his final run was compromised.
- Carlos Sainz suffered a shock Q1 exit in P19, continuing a difficult season for Williams.
- Aston Martin saw Alonso and Stroll miss Q3 and Q1 respectively, with only Alonso just outside the cut in P11.
F1 2025 Austrian GP Qualifying Results:
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:03.971
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:04.492
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:04.554
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1:04.582
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:04.763
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 1:04.926
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:04.929
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 1:05.132
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:05.276
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1:05.649
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 1:05.128
- Alexander Albon (Williams) – 1:05.205
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 1:05.226
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 1:05.288
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 1:05.312
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 1:05.329
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 1:05.364
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 1:05.369
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 1:05.582
- Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) – 1:05.606
What’s Next?
The F1 2025 Austrian GP gets underway on Sunday at 15:00 local time, with Norris aiming to convert pole into a vital victory. McLaren’s form is red-hot, while Verstappen will need to carve through the field to keep his title hopes alive.