There will ultimately be no pole position for Max Verstappen. The neo-quadruple world champion, who had just claimed a first pole position since last June, was penalized by one place on the starting grid for the Qatar Grand Prix. Result: the Dutchman lost his pole to George Russell, second in qualifying.
“Super Max” was in the sights of the race marshals after hindering Russell (Mercedes) during the third qualifying session. Verstappen was then summoned by the FIA at 9:15 p.m. French time to explain the events on the grounds of “excessively slow” driving on the track.
Verstappen finds himself just ahead of Norris
After reviewing the session and having heard the arguments of the Red Bull driver and his team, the commissioners decided to impose a penalty of one place on the starting grid for the Grand Prix this Sunday. The stewards were lenient because Russell, embarrassed, was not on a fast lap and had enough visibility to avoid the Dutchman’s car.
Involved in the maneuver, the Briton therefore regains pole position and will still start on the front row with Verstappen, but this time with an advantage.
Behind them, the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, in the race for the constructors’ world championship title, will be on the lookout ahead of the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, 5th and 7th on the grid.
