Max Verstappen took pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix by a hundredth of a second. This result sparked a debate among fans on social media: why should the Dutchman be considered the best driver in history for taking pole position, despite McLaren’s speed advantage?

Verstappen had already climbed into the top three in the standings through the three free practice sessions for the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Lando Norris dominated the standings and looked set to take pole position, despite the threats against him. The Briton collided with the McLaren MCL39 exiting Turn 5 on his first run in Q3, collapsing under the pressure and leaving pole position up for grabs. While Oscar Piastri looked set to help the Woking team take pole, Max Verstappen had other plans. The Red Bull driver put in a brilliant lap, beating the Australian by a hundredth of a second and securing his second pole position of the season. Fans admired the Dutchman’s magnificent lap, despite McLaren’s higher performance potential, and said the 27-year-old driver should be considered a GOAT for his seemingly impossible performances: “It’s time to seriously consider this man the GOAT driving what he is and put him on pole position.” Expanding the tweetHere are some more reactions from fans: “Greatest driver of all time. Doing that with that tractor is crazy, wow,” wrote one. “Imagine what he could do if he had a competitive car,” wrote another. “Honestly, what a monster Max is. GOAT,” mentioned another. Meanwhile, others looked at how Max Verstappen’s 2021 pole lap was finally achieved: “2021: The wall took his turn. 2025: He took the pole again.” Cold,” wrote one fan. “We finally got the good end to his 2021 lap,” wrote another fan. Even though the Dutchman took pole position, that doesn’t mean he has the win under his belt, and Verstappen is aware of that. Max Verstappen remains realistic despite his pole position

Max Verstappen at the 2025 F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Source: GettyThe four-time F1 champion will be joined by Oscar Piastrien on the front row. Furthermore, the 24-year-old Australian is no stranger to snatching victory from his rivals by starting from second place, and Verstappen will have a formidable competitor at his side. McLaren’s speed advantage and Piastri’s prowess behind the wheel of the MCL39 can threaten victory. Max Verstappen acknowledged these dangers and said in the post-qualifying interview: “I think tomorrow in the race it will be difficult to keep them behind, but we will do our best.” George Russell, meanwhile, will start third on the grid, completing the top three alongside Verstappen and Piastri.