Max Verstappen on pole in Jeddah as Lando Norris crashes in qualifying

Red Bull Racing’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen drives during the qualifying round for the 2025 Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 19, 2025. (AN Photo/Hashim Nadeem)
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Red Bull Racing’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen drives during the qualifying round for the 2025 Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 19, 2025. (AN Photo/Hashim Nadeem)
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Updated 19 April 2025
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Max Verstappen on pole in Jeddah as Lando Norris crashes in qualifying

Max Verstappen on pole in Jeddah as Lando Norris crashes in qualifying
  • Dutchman seizes pole from Piastri
  • Championship leader Norris crashes, qualifies 10th

JEDDAH: World champion Max Verstappen put Red Bull on pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in track-record time on Saturday as McLaren’s Formula One leader Lando Norris hit the wall and qualified 10th.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, bidding to become the first Australian to lead the standings since Mark Webber in 2010, joined the four-times world champion on the front row for Sunday’s night race.
Mercedes’s George Russell and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will share the second row in third and fourth at the super-fast Corniche circuit where the winner has come from pole three out of four times previously.
“The car came alive in the night,” exclaimed Verstappen after pipping Piastri by a mere 0.010 of a second.
The pole position changed hands three times in a final flurry of flying laps before the champion settled matters with a time of one minute 27.294 seconds.
“I think in the race it will be difficult to keep them behind. But we will give it a good go,” said Verstappen, winner last year.
Italian 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli qualified fifth for Mercedes, with Carlos Sainz sixth for Williams and Lewis Hamilton only seventh for Ferrari.
Verstappen’s team mate Yuki Tsunoda will start eighth with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly ninth.
Norris was fastest in final practice and the second phase of qualifying, after Verstappen had led the first, but brought out red flags with eight-and-a-half minutes remaining when he hit the wall.
The Briton, who leads Piastri by three points after four races, signalled over the team radio that he was unhurt while calling himself an idiot with an exasperated expletive thrown in.
Piastri was the only one with a time on the board at that point, his 1:27.560 effort slower than Norris’s best of 1:27.481 in Q2.
Verstappen then went top when the track action resumed but Russell and Piastri went faster again before the Red Bull driver’s last effort.
Hamilton just squeezed through to the final top-10 shootout, the 40-year-old just 0.007 quicker than 11th-placed Alex Albon in the Williams.
Liam Lawson qualified 12th and ahead of his Racing Bulls rookie team mate Isack Hadjar in 14th.
Oliver Bearman, who made a sensational F1 debut with Ferrari as a stand-in at last year’s Saudi race, will line up 15th for Haas.
Aston Martin, marking their 100th Formula One race as a marque, had another difficult session with double world champion Fernando Alonso 13th and Lance Stroll 16th.


Buemi ends six-year drought with Monaco masterclass as Rowland extends championship lead

Buemi ends six-year drought with Monaco masterclass as Rowland extends championship lead
Updated 30 sec ago
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Buemi ends six-year drought with Monaco masterclass as Rowland extends championship lead

Buemi ends six-year drought with Monaco masterclass as Rowland extends championship lead
  • Swiss driver secures third career Monaco win, first since 2019, 78 races ago
  • Oliver Rowland, Nick Cassidy completed the top three

MONTE CARLO: Envision Racing’s Sebastien Buemi claimed a long-awaited victory at the second Monaco E-Prix of the weekend on Sunday, ending a six-year winless streak and securing his third career triumph in the Principality in dramatic style.

Starting from eighth on a soaked Monte Carlo grid, the Swiss driver, Formula E’s Season 2 champion, delivered a measured, tactical drive through the field to take the chequered flag.

The win marks his first since New York City in 2019, a span of 78 races, and lifts Envision off the bottom of the Teams' standings.

“I thought I would never win again at some points, so you know you need a bit of luck, you need the right timing, you need the right car, a good team, and today everything just came together, so I’m so happy,” he said.

“I’m actually speechless because you know it’s been a long time. It was obviously quite tricky at the beginning with the fight with Antonio (Felix da Costa) and Max (Guenther), but in the end the timing of the Attack Mode was good, I was able to make a gap and I was safe when Oli (Rowland) took his second one.

“I was able to read where the track was drying up, especially in turns 3 and 4, there was lots of lap time to be gained, but you needed the confidence and today I had it. I thought that my number of wins would never change but it did today, so I’m very proud,” he added.

Behind him, Nissan’s Oliver Rowland delivered another strong performance to finish second and extend his lead at the top of the FIA Formula E Drivers’ World Championship.

The Brit’s aggressive attempt to overtake Jean-Eric Vergne at the chicane on Lap 21 ultimately altered the race's complexion.

Rowland was later required to cede the position after being deemed to have forced the DS Penske driver off track — a moment that allowed Buemi and Mahindra’s Nyck de Vries to capitalize.

Rowland smartly reclaimed momentum by returning the position to Vergne while simultaneously activating his final mandatory 50kW Attack Mode, allowing him to surge back past both Vergne and de Vries for second place by Lap 24, finishing just over four seconds behind the winner.

Jaguar TCS Racing’s Nick Cassidy completed the podium with a storming drive from 14th to third, his first top-three result of the season, managing energy expertly to gain ground in the closing stages.

In fourth, da Costa was the highest-placed Porsche, followed by de Vries in fifth and a frustrated Vergne in sixth after leading much of the race before the pivotal Lap 21 incident.

The result sees Rowland head to Nissan’s home race in Tokyo on 115 points, with da Costa trailing on 67.

Porsche holds a narrow lead in the Teams’ standings on 133 points to Nissan’s 126, but Nissan tops the FIA Manufacturers’ Championship with 191 points to Porsche’s 163.

The action returns in two weeks for a Tokyo double-header in Odaiba on May 17 and 18.


Ben Sulayem committed to to transforming FIA into ‘modern, accessible and connected organization’

Ben Sulayem committed to to transforming FIA into ‘modern, accessible and connected organization’
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem: “Our Members are fundamental to the success of the FIA.” (Eric Alonso/DPPI)
Updated 04 May 2025
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Ben Sulayem committed to to transforming FIA into ‘modern, accessible and connected organization’

Ben Sulayem committed to to transforming FIA into ‘modern, accessible and connected organization’
  • Leading figures in racing assemble in Marrakech as FIA president continues mission to double motorsport participation

DUBAI:  The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organizations worldwide, is set for a busy agenda of high-level discussions at its annual FIA Region I Spring Meeting starting in Marrakech on Tuesday.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem will be in attendance at the three-day assembly of mobility and motorsport leaders from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to discuss key initiatives in road safety, sustainable mobility, regional sporting growth, and innovation in transport.

Speaking ahead of the conference, which is hosted by Mobilite Club Maroc, Ben Sulayem said: “As a global federation it is not often that we are able to unite our community in one place, so moments like this are particularly special.

“The next few days will provide an invaluable opportunity for engagement and participation, along with key votes to decide on the leadership of our community.”

The Region I Spring Meeting will coincide with a series of sessions designed to equip member clubs with new strategies and insights into evolving mobility and sporting trends. The event will be an opportunity to share knowledge and best practice across topics such as service delivery, sustainable responsibility, and consumer-focused innovation.

Ben Sulayem said: “Our members are fundamental to the success of the FIA, and I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together during my first term in office and the successes we have achieved. We continue to strengthen the link between sport and mobility, expanding our reach and impact on the global stage.

“I am committed to the transformation of the FIA into a modern, accessible, and connected organization. Globally we are continuing our mission to double motorsport participation through grassroot initiatives and accessibility programs such as Affordable Cross Car and the Global Karting Plan, while ensuring ongoing empowerment of all regions across our mobility capabilities.”

The FIA Member Club structure forms the backbone of the federation’s governance and operations, with each full member club holding voting rights across the FIA’s elections and regulatory decisions. Clubs are grouped into two primary categories, with some serving in both roles.

Mobility clubs provide mobility services and represent the interest of road users, with a focus on road safety, travel and tourism, consumer rights, and sustainable mobility.

National sporting authorities govern and develop motorsport at a national level, are responsible for sporting events, issuing licenses, and engagement across regulations.

Within the FIA there are four mobility regions and six sport zones. FIA Region I is comprised of 101 mobility member clubs from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, representing over 41 million members.


Saudi professional esports team Falcons Vega wins UK women’s tournament Red Bull Instalock

Saudi professional esports team Falcons Vega wins UK women’s tournament Red Bull Instalock
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi professional esports team Falcons Vega wins UK women’s tournament Red Bull Instalock

Saudi professional esports team Falcons Vega wins UK women’s tournament Red Bull Instalock
  • The invitational tournament ran from May 2-3 at the UK’s premier esports and gaming venue, the Red Bull Gaming Sphere in London
  • Red Bull Instalock brought together some of the best women’s VALORANT teams from around the world, including G2 Gozen, GIANTX GC, Falcons Vega, and FlyQuest RED

LONDON: Falcons Vega have been crowned this year’s Red Bull Instalock champions, securing the victory following a weekend of top-level competition from London’s premier gaming and esports venue, the Red Bull Gaming Sphere. The event marked the UK’s first professional women’s esports tournament of 2025.

Returning for a second straight year, Red Bull Instalock brought together four of the world’s elite women’s VALORANT teams for two days of competition. Returning to the lineup were last year’s champions G2 Gozen from Germany and London locals GIANTX GC. Joining them as Red Bull Instalock newcomers were Falcons Vega from Saudi Arabia and FlyQuest RED representing America.

The tournament saw the return of its unique format, transforming the traditional team structure to require three duelists, VALORANT’s offensive class, in order to encourage aggressive plays and quick thinking.

The tournament kicked off Friday with intense best-of-three matchups between Falcons Vega and GiantX GC, and between G2 Gozen and FlyQuest RED. Following intense back-and-forth battles on the map, Falcons Vega and G2 Gozen both secured 2-1 wins in their matches, progressing to the Upper Bracket Final later in the day. Inaugural Red Bull Instalock champions G2 Gozen continued their winning streak, knocking Falcons Vega down to the lower bracket in a clean 2-0 sweep and securing the first available spot for the Grand Final.

In the lower bracket, FlyQuest RED knocked out GiantX GC in a 2-0 win, before being pitted against Falcons Vega. With both teams eager to prove their worth and secure the remaining spot in the Grand Final, Falcons Vega swiftly earned their place with a 2-0 win that propelled them into the final showdown.

The Grand Final pivoted to a best-of-five, raising the stakes and pushing both teams to the limit in an intense back-and-forth showdown that went across five maps. Falcons Vega swiftly took the first map against G2 Gozen, grinding the latter team’s momentum to a halt. Determined not to go down without a fight, G2 Gozen brought it back with a 19-17 win on map two following the longest overtime in the tournament’s history, and another win on the third map, before Falcons Vega closed the gap on map four. With teams tied, stakes were higher than ever going into map five, and Falcons Vega eventually triumphed 13-8 following an incredible final performance, dethroning G2 Gozen and claiming the title of Red Bull Instalock Champions.

Falcons Vega pro and Red Bull player Maryam “Mary” Maher said: “It means so much to have won Red Bull Instalock. This team is made of the most hardworking women I know, and I’m proud of the work we put in. We’re so happy to be representing the Middle East and want to be role models for women gamers in the region.”

Red Bull Instalock host Yinsu Collins also commented: “This year’s Red Bull Instalock has been amazing. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that we crowned Falcons Vega as our winners, and it’s been really special to have some of the best players from MENA and SEA to compete under one roof in London. We had an incredible variety of international teams and players compete this year, which helped keep the action fresh, and it’s been great to see matchups between teams that don’t normally get to compete together.”


Fatal Fury: Alvarez undisputed champion in Riyadh, Crawford eyes it next

Canelo Alvarez claims undisputed status with unanimous decision win over William Scull. credit: @Turki_alalshikh
Canelo Alvarez claims undisputed status with unanimous decision win over William Scull. credit: @Turki_alalshikh
Updated 04 May 2025
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Fatal Fury: Alvarez undisputed champion in Riyadh, Crawford eyes it next

Canelo Alvarez claims undisputed status with unanimous decision win over William Scull. credit: @Turki_alalshikh
  • Unanimous decision win over William Scull on Saturday night

RIYADH: Canelo Alvarez once again cemented his place atop boxing’s super middleweight division, claiming undisputed status with a unanimous decision win over IBF title holder William Scull on Saturday night at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. It was a tactical affair rather than a thriller, but enough to remind the world who still rules at 168 pounds.

Canelo told Arab News before the fight that he would humble Scull, adding: “He’s very confident but he’s going to feel something different on Saturday.” The latter felt the Mexican king’s words.

Turki Alalshikh delivered the night’s biggest fireworks after the final bell, orchestrating a dramatic in-ring face-off between Canelo and Terence Crawford to announce plans for a Sept. 12 mega-fight. The undefeated Crawford, one of Turki’s favored fighters, now appears next in line — a high-stakes bout that has boxing buzzing.

A Canelo and Crawford showdown is a classic pressure versus precision matchup — Canelo’s methodical stalking and body punching against Crawford’s switch-hitting, movement, and counters. If Crawford can control distance and disrupt Canelo’s rhythm, he can box his way to a decision. But if Canelo cuts the ring, lands to the body, and imposes his physicality, he could break Crawford down — or at least bank enough rounds up close.

Elsewhere on the card, Badou Jack retained his WBC cruiserweight title in a majority decision that left many scratching their heads. Most observers believed Noel Mikaelian had done more than enough to win, but the judges saw it otherwise, handing Jack one of the night’s more contentious victories.

Super middleweight contender Jaime Munguia picked up a solid, if unremarkable, win in his rematch with Bruno Surace, while heavyweights Efe Ajagba and Martin Bakole battled to a hard-fought draw that could easily set up a rematch. Both fighters absorbed plenty in a gritty back-and-forth contest.

Bakole was amazed to see how popular he was among Saudi fans who shouted his name throughout the fight. “I stole the show — everyone loves me (here),” he said, adding that he was aiming for a rematch to settle the score.

The undercard delivered glimpses of the future. Cuban light heavyweight prospect Brayan Leon stayed unbeaten with a dominant win, despite some defensive lapses, while 2024 Olympian Marco Verde made a thunderous pro debut with a first-round stoppage.

Richard Riakporhe made a successful entrance into the heavyweight ranks with a stoppage win over Kevin Nicolas Espindola.

Fighting for the first time since his cruiserweight title loss to Chris Billam-Smith last June, the 35-year-old Londoner returned to the ring carrying a bulked-up frame at 235 pounds. The added size signaled his intentions to create a new chapter in boxing’s glamor division.

“I want to get a heavyweight title. I’ve grown now, I’ve built myself up, I’m more healthy," Riakporhe said, expressing a desire to chase that ambition under the lights of a familiar setting. “This is where I want to do my fighting now,” he added, referring to Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom’s own Mohammed Alakel remained undefeated, winning a shutout decision and continuing his climb in the opening bout on the Fatal Fury City of Wolves card.

He told Arab News in a post-fight interview that he was ready to “happily” take on any name next, anywhere in the world, adding: “I just want to get the experience and (become) the first Saudi champion.”

It was a night billed around one man, but the supporting cast — for better or worse — gave fans plenty to talk about. From disputed decisions to promising debuts, Riyadh delivered the full spectrum of boxing’s beauty and blemishes.


Baniyas lead in third round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Baniyas lead in third round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
The third round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship concludes on Sunday in Abu Dhabi (UAEJJF)
Updated 04 May 2025
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Baniyas lead in third round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Baniyas lead in third round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club are in second place, Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club in third

Abu Dhabi, May 3: Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club continued to lead the third round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship on Saturday after competitions in the U-14 and U-16 categories took place at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club are in second place, while Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club are in third.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship represents a key pillar in our strategy to develop the sport, especially by focusing on younger age groups, who are the foundation of long-term sporting excellence. The championship’s ranking system offers strong motivation for clubs and academies to enhance player development and achieve strong results — factors that will elevate the level of competition and expand the athlete base across the country.”

Meanwhile, Mohammed Haitham, youth team coach at Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club, said: “We prepared intensively for this round, both physically and mentally, knowing how important it is in the overall championship. The team delivered a strong and disciplined performance, executing the technical plans effectively, which boosts our chances in the final rankings.”

The final day of the third round takes place on Sunday with the U-12 categories.