Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying: Oscar Piastri Takes Maiden Pole Position In Formula 1

Oscar Piastri just about got the better of Mercedes rival George Russell and McLaren team mate Lando Norris during qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix, securing his first-ever Formula 1 pole position in the process on Saturday (March 22, 2025). Piastri delivered a time of 1m 30.703s on the opening runs of the decisive pole shootout and improved to a 1m 30.641s with his second effort, giving him P1 over Russell by just under one tenth of a second. Reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen took fourth, with the Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc winding up in P5 and P6 respectively – the Briton unable to repeat his sprint heroics.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 22 March 2025 8:34 pm

China F1 GP Auto Racing | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia poses with the pole position trophy after qualifying session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai.

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Chinese Formula One Grand Prix | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia is flanked with Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain, left, and McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain, right, after qualifying session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai.

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Chinese Grand Prix 2025 Qualifying Oscar Piastri

Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia celebrates his pole position after qualifying session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai.

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Oscar Piastri Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying

Chinese Grand Prix 2025 Qualifying | Photo: AP

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia holds his helmet after qualifying session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai.

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China F1 GP Auto Racing | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia celebrates his pole position after qualifying session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai.

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China F1 GP Auto Racing | Photo: AP

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia steers his car during qualifying session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai.

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Chinese Formula One Grand Prix | Photo: AP

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco steers his car during qualifying session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai.

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Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying | Photo: AP

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during qualifying session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai.

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Chinese Grand Prix 2025 Qualifying | Photo: AP

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during qualifying session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai.

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Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying | Photo: AP

Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain steers his car during qualifying session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai.