Qatar Grand Prix Qualifying: Verstappen Stripped of Pole Position
Qualifying Session
The Qatar Grand Prix qualifying session saw a thrilling competition between the top drivers, with Max Verstappen of Red Bull clocking the fastest lap of one minute 20.520 seconds, followed closely by George Russell of Mercedes, who was just 0.055 seconds adrift. Lando Norris of McLaren rounded out the top three.
Controversy and Penalty
However, Verstappen’s pole position was short-lived, as he was stripped of his top spot for impeding Russell in qualifying. The Red Bull driver was given a one-place grid penalty, allowing Russell to take the pole position instead.
Driver Reactions
Russell was vocal about the incident, calling Verstappen’s move "super-dangerous". He also described the experience of being pushed into the gravel as "scraping". Norris, who finished third, admitted his disappointment at missing out on a front row start, while Hamilton, who finished sixth, seemed unphased, saying he just wants to get through the remaining races and look forward to the winter break.
Qualifying Laps
The qualifying session saw a series of intense laps, with Russell initially taking the top spot before Verstappen and Norris improved their times. Russell’s best lap was 1:20.575, while Verstappen’s was 1:20.687.
Grid Lineup
The final grid lineup saw Russell starting on pole, followed by Leclerc and Norris. The top ten finishers were: Russell, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Hamilton, Alonso, Magnussen, Sainz, Verstappen, and Ocon.
Conclusion
The Qatar Grand Prix qualifying session was marked by controversy and drama, as Verstappen’s impeding of Russell led to a one-place grid penalty and the Dutch driver being stripped of his pole position. Despite the setback, Verstappen remains a force to be reckoned with, and the upcoming race is sure to be an exciting one.
FAQs
Q: Why was Verstappen stripped of his pole position?
A: Verstappen was stripped of his pole position for impeding Russell in qualifying, a move that was deemed "super-dangerous" by the British driver.
Q: Who will start on pole for the Qatar Grand Prix?
A: Russell will start on pole, followed by Leclerc and Norris.
Q: How did the top drivers fare in qualifying?
A: Verstappen clocked the fastest lap, followed closely by Russell, while Norris finished third.