Many didn't expect it, but we would have bet on Max Verstappen taking pole position at the Qatar Grand Prix. And so it happened: the Dutch world champion will start from pole tomorrow!
After the first measured laps in Q1, the order was George Russell, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen, but the story seemed to offer many possibilities. Carlos Sainz, for example, was in third place, and Fernando Alonso was also in third place. Ultimately, the segment ended with Russell and the two Ferraris in the top three, while the two Williams cars, Liam Lawson, Nico Hülkenberg, and Esteban Ocon, were eliminated.
In Q2, Max Verstappen opened the lap at the front, with Oscar Piastri and George Russell dictating the pace behind him, and it was clear that Red Bull Racing was getting better and better. McLaren, or more specifically Norris, did a similar thing, taking the lead after his final attempt in Q2. Even against him, Verstappen was still able to find a way to finish ahead of Norris and Leclerc. The two Alfas, on the other hand, were eliminated by Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda, and Lance Stroll.
After the first few shots in Q3, Russell found himself in the lead against resurgent rival Red Bull. The Dutchman had improved so much and everything was going so well that he easily took pole position ahead of George Russell and Lando Norris. A thrilling race awaits tomorrow, as already world champion Max Verstappen starts from pole position, while McLaren, in contention for the Constructors' Title, is in a better position heading into the Qatar Grand Prix.
