Lando Norris secured pole position for the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, edging out his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by just 0.085 seconds. It marks Norris’ 13th career pole and places him in an excellent position to chase a third consecutive race win. Piastri expressed mild disappointment after a late mistake in Turn 14 cost him a shot at pole. Despite the result, both McLaren drivers acknowledged how closely matched they’ve been, pushing each other throughout the weekend.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc surprised even himself by qualifying third. He admitted that, although he was three-tenths off the lead, the result exceeded expectations given recent struggles and the team’s ongoing adaptation to car upgrades. Leclerc felt satisfied with the setup and execution, describing it as one of the sessions where nothing was left on the table. Looking ahead to the race, he’s cautiously optimistic about Ferrari’s chances, especially given Max Verstappen’s starting position of fourth.
Verstappen, who had earlier won the sprint race by overtaking Piastri, was not entirely satisfied with his qualifying session. The Red Bull driver revealed discomfort with his car’s balance and handling, saying it felt “draggy” and didn’t allow him to fully commit in corners. He expressed hope that the team would analyze the data to address the issues before the main race. Verstappen’s decision to go out early in qualifying for cleaner air didn’t seem to deliver the expected grip advantage.
On the other hand, it was a disappointing day for Lewis Hamilton, who was knocked out in Q1 for the second straight weekend. Now driving for Ferrari, Hamilton took responsibility for the underperformance and apologized to the team. He admitted to a driving error and called the result “unacceptable.” The seven-time world champion emphasized the need for internal reflection as Ferrari continues to struggle with consistency in qualifying.
The weather remains a wildcard, with rain expected to hit the circuit during Sunday’s race. Drivers and commentators alike noted that a wet race could dramatically affect strategies and outcomes. Norris mentioned he preferred a dry race for clarity and fan enjoyment, though he’s prepared for changing conditions. BBC Radio 5 Live and Damon Hill highlighted the psychological edge Norris might carry into race day, particularly after his dominant middle sector time and strong qualifying form.
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