Max Verstappen is set to begin Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix as a three-time World Champion, having secured pole position in qualifying. Despite challenging conditions at the Lusail International Circuit, Verstappen managed to clinch pole by just over four-tenths of a second, with George Russell trailing behind.
During Q1, Verstappen expressed frustration over the team radio, referring to Russell as an “idiot” for impeding his progress on the track. However, this did not hinder Verstappen’s overall qualifying performance, as he went on to top Q1.
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, secured the top spot in Q2 but could only manage third place on the grid.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had their best Q3 times invalidated for exceeding track limits, impacting their starting positions. Norris would have qualified in second place, while Piastri would have started fourth.
Verstappen’s teammate, the only driver who can potentially prevent him from winning the Drivers’ Championship, will start from 13th. Sergio Perez, who exceeded track limits and missed out on Q3, could have secured the 10th spot on the grid.
Carlos Sainz was another notable driver eliminated in Q2, finishing in 12th place.
Both Perez and Sainz have an opportunity to improve their positions during the sprint shootout to determine the grid for the Saturday evening sprint race.
For Verstappen to secure his third consecutive Drivers’ Championship on Saturday, Perez would need an extraordinary performance, essentially requiring a victory in the sprint race. Verstappen can secure the title if he finishes sixth or better on Saturday morning, making it highly likely that he will start Sunday’s race as the World Champion once again.
Despite Norris showing competitive lap times, he will start from 10th place on Sunday, as both of his Q3 laps were invalidated for exceeding track limits.
