Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen on pole after Lando Norris crashes

Norris’ crash interrupted the first runs of all his rivals in Q3 apart from Piastri, who laid down a marker just before his team-mate lost control over the kerb at Turn Five and slid sideways into the wall.

When the session resumed, Verstappen went out on his semi-used tyres and took over top spot in his Red Bull from Piastri by just 0.001secs.

The four-time world champion came straight back in to switch to fresh tyres and, while he warmed up, first Russell – and then Piastri – took top spot.

But Verstappen signalled his intent with a blistering first sector, 0.123secs quicker than Piastri. Although the Australian was quicker in both the second and third sectors, the Dutchman had done enough to grab pole.

Verstappen said: “I definitely didn’t expect to be on pole here but the car came alive in the night and it was a lot more enjoyable to drive. The grip was coming to me. Around here a qualifying lap is extremely difficult. It is really satisfying.

“Tomorrow in the race it will be tough to keep them behind but we are going to give it a good go.”

Piastri said: “Max has done a good job, another high-speed circuit for them, where they seem to have a little more success. Our pace is good. It’s going to be a tough race, the tyres are softer than last year and we’ll see if that plays to our advantage.”

Norris will have to rely on the strong race pace of the McLaren to try to limit the damage to his championship position, as he starts the race three points clear of Piastri and eight in front of Verstappen.

His accident was caused by him misjudging the entry to the chicane at Turns Four and Five. The car oversteered on to the kerb at Five and was flicked into the wall on the exit, damaging the left-hand side of the car.

He swore over the radio that he was an “idiot”, but was unhurt.

Russell said he had “mixed feelings” because he felt there was more in his car, adding that he rued Mercedes’ decision not to use the same strategy as Red Bull after the red flag.