Sat Oct 25 22:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Norris Stuns Verstappen to Claim Pole Position in Mexico City
Mexico City, Mexico – Lando Norris delivered a sensational performance in qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix, snatching pole position from the Ferraris and leaving championship contender Max Verstappen languishing in fifth. The McLaren driver’s blistering lap of 1min 15.586sec secured McLaren’s first pole in Mexico since Ayrton Senna in 1989.
Ferrari showed strong pace with Charles Leclerc locking in second and Lewis Hamilton earning third. George Russell captured fourth, locking both Mercedes drivers in the top 5.
Verstappen appeared frustrated, admitting his Red Bull team struggled to find the optimal setup. “We tried so many things and it’s just not good,” he stated. “I need retirements” to have any chance of challenging the leading cars.
Norris expressed his delight, stating it was good to be back on pole. “I’m happy to be back on pole – it’s actually been a while, a good feeling,” says a smiling pole-sitter Lando Norris, who’s not been in P1 since Belgium. He admits the Ferraris gave him a scare in Q3.
Meanwhile, Norris’s McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, struggled to find the same rhythm. “Just frustrating,” says Oscar Piastri of his disappointing qualifying session. “This weekend – and last weekend really – the pace just hasn’t come yet.” He will start seventh after Carlos Sainz takes a five-place grid penalty.
Notable performances also included Isack Hadjar, of Racing Bulls, who topped Q1 in a helmet honoring Prost.
The Mexico City Grand Prix promises to be an exciting race, with Norris starting from pole and Verstappen facing an uphill battle from fifth. The race is scheduled to begin tomorrow.
First Piper 