Rain lashed down on Spa-Francorchamps as qualifying for the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix kicked off, turning the Ardennes circuit into a slippery challenge for the 20 drivers. Max Verstappen, chasing his fourth straight title with Red Bull, wasted no time stamping his authority in Q1, clocking a 1:55.321 despite the tricky conditions. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc stayed close, just 0.2 seconds adrift, while new teammate Lewis Hamilton struggled with grip, scraping through in 15th after a late push.
Q2 saw the weather ease slightly, but puddles lingered on track. McLaren’s Lando Norris surged ahead with a bold lap, posting 1:54.112 to top the times. Verstappen responded fiercely, reclaiming the lead at 1:53.987. Mercedes’ George Russell impressed in third, but Hamilton again teetered on the edge, advancing in 10th. Out went Williams’ Carlos Sainz and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, both victims of minor slides that cost them dearly.
As Q3 began under clearing skies, the fight for pole intensified. Verstappen unleashed a stunning 1:53.159 on his first run, but Norris bit back with 1:53.045, stealing provisional pole. Leclerc slotted into third, 0.3 seconds off the pace. Hamilton, finding rhythm at last, grabbed fourth ahead of Russell.
Final runs decided it all. Verstappen hooked up a perfect lap, dipping to 1:52.927 to snatch pole by 0.118 seconds from Norris. Leclerc held third, with Hamilton fourth and Russell fifth. Oscar Piastri took sixth for McLaren, followed by Ferrari-bound Sainz in seventh for Williams. Sergio Perez, under pressure at Red Bull, managed eighth, while Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon rounded out the top 10.
Verstappen’s pole positions him well for tomorrow’s race, where dry conditions are forecast. Norris, starting alongside, vows to challenge hard in his bid to close the championship gap.
