Many didn't expect it, but we would have bet that Max Verstappen would take pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix. That's exactly what happened, and the Dutch world champion will be able to start from the top spot tomorrow!
After the first timed laps of Q1, George Russell, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen were leading, but the race seemed open. Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, for example, were also in contention for third place. Ultimately, the stage ended with the top three consisting of Russell and the two Ferraris, while the eliminated drivers included the two Williams, Liam Lawson, Nico Hulkenberg, and Esteban Ocon.
In Q2, Max Verstappen opened the race in the lead, followed by Oscar Piastri and George Russell who dictated the pace, and it was clear that Red Bull Racing was gaining more and more speed. However, McLaren also did the same, and Norris, after his final attempt in Q2, found himself in the lead, but Verstappen managed to find even more speed to finish ahead of Norris and Leclerc. The two Alfas, meanwhile, had to go to the shower along with Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda and Lance Stroll.
After the first attempts at Q3, Russell led against a reinvigorated Red Bull, but in the end, the Dutchman was so successful in asserting himself and managing his affairs well that he easily took pole position ahead of George Russell and Lando Norris. An exciting race is therefore on the cards for tomorrow, as world champion Max Verstappen will start from the top spot, while McLaren, fighting for the constructors' title, awaits the Qatar Grand Prix from a better position.
