Max Verstappen claims pole for Qatar Grand Prix

MAX Verstappen claimed pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix with a time of 1:20.520, marking his first official pole since Austria earlier this season. Joining him on the front row is Mercedes’ George Russell, while McLaren’s Lando Norris rounds out the top three, reports Damian Hall.

The four-time world champion dominated the final qualifying session (Q3) to secure the top spot on the grid. The Red Bull team had been on the back foot for much of the weekend, making the result a surprise to many, including Verstappen himself.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect that,” the Dutchman admitted. “But well done to the team, you know, for giving me a car that feels a bit more connected.”

This front-row battle sets the stage for an intense race at the Lusail International Circuit, with Verstappen aiming to convert his pole into a victory while Russell and Norris look to challenge Red Bull’s supremacy.

Russell delivered a strong performance, outpacing his teammate Sir Lewis Hamilton, who will start from sixth. Reflecting on his Q3 efforts, the Brit said: “It’s been a great run so far. In the last four qualifying sessions, we’ve been on the front row, so I’m feeling in such a groove at the moment.”

He added: “My first lap was one of the best I’ve ever done, but for whatever reason, I just couldn’t find that extra bit of time on the last lap, and Max pipped me.”

Taking a positive outlook, the King’s Lynn native concluded: “The car’s been great for the last two weekends, and I’m just enjoying it while we can.”

Norris, starting third, described his performance as satisfying but not enough to match the pace of the frontrunners.

“My lap was pretty good. I was pretty happy with the lap – just not quick enough, not quick enough compared to the others,” Norris explained. “Happy with the lap, happy I got everything out of it. Not happy with the result.”

Oscar Piastri, also representing McLaren, secured fourth place, continuing the team’s strong form. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz qualified fifth and seventh, respectively, offering a mixed bag of opportunities for the Scuderia as they look to challenge McLaren in the championship.

Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin claimed eighth, while Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez managed ninth, continuing a streak of underwhelming qualifying performances. Kevin Magnussen rounded out the top ten for Haas.

The qualifying sessions also featured notable eliminations. In Q1, Alex Albon, Liam Lawson, Nico Hülkenberg, Franco Colapinto, and Esteban Ocon were unable to advance. Q2 saw the exit of Pierre Gasly, Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas, Yuki Tsunoda, and Lance Stroll, who couldn’t break into the top ten.

The grid is now set for what promises to be an exciting Grand Prix under the lights in Qatar.

Final Qualifying Classification:

Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 2. George Russell (Mercedes), 3. Lando Norris (McLaren), 4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), 7. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), 8. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), 9. Sergio Perez (Red Bull), 10. Kevin Magnussen (Haas), 11. Pierre Gasly (Alpine), 12. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber), 13. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber), 14. Yuki Tsunoda (Visa Cash App RB), 15. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), 16. Alexander Albon (Williams), 17. Liam Lawson (Visa Cash App RB), 18. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas), 19. Franco Colapinto (Williams), 20. Esteban Ocon (Alpine).