Sun Apr 20 16:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Verstappen Snatchs Pole in Saudi Arabia Despite Red Bull’s “Hit and Miss” Performance

**JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia** – Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, edging out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by a mere 0.010 seconds. However, the reigning champion acknowledged the ongoing inconsistencies plaguing his Red Bull car, describing its performance as “hit and miss.”

Verstappen’s qualifying performance follows a fluctuating run of form. He triumphed in Japan from pole position two weeks ago, but struggled to seventh in qualifying in Bahrain last week, finishing the race in sixth. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix saw a return to his winning form, a testament to minor adjustments made to the car after final practice.

“We made some minor changes to the car, but they were clearly big enough to feel,” Verstappen explained. “It can be really hit and miss. When we get it right, it’s competitive, but when we don’t, it’s a lot more difficult.”

He attributed the improved performance partly to the Jeddah track’s characteristics, contrasting it with the Bahrain circuit. “There are a few more high-speed corners here,” he said. “The tarmac is completely different, which has a big influence on the tyres. In Bahrain, the long-duration corners were a big problem for us, but here it seems a little bit more competitive.”

While acknowledging the issues are not entirely resolved, Verstappen expressed optimism about the team’s progress, highlighting the ability to better manage the car’s limitations in the Saudi Arabian setting. His pole position sets the stage for a thrilling race on Sunday.

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