Championship leader Lando Norris crashed out of qualifying at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and will start 10th. Max Verstappen in his Red Bull pipped Oscar Piastri to pole position by a narrow margin. Mercedes' George Russell was third. Norris' crash interrupted the runs of rivals. When the session resumed, Verstappen took over top spot and held it. Piastri praised Verstappen's job. Norris will have to rely on McLaren's race pace to limit damage to his championship position. Russell had mixed feelings about Mercedes' strategy.