Max Verstappen delivers a stunning surprise in the Qatar GP qualification: he secures pole position, despite the RB20 previously struggling on the Losail International Circuit. The Dutchman has George Russell (Mercedes) alongside him on the front row.
Q1: Sauber Duo Surprises, Hülkenberg Exits
Both Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou advance to Q2 in the Sauber; a luxury for the typically slow Swiss racing team. Also surprising in Q1 is the exit of Nico Hülkenberg, who earlier in the day scored points in the Haas car during the sprint race. George Russell, representing Mercedes, records the fastest time, thereby demonstrating why many consider him a favourite for the pole. Max Verstappen positions himself in the upper midfield and, along with teammate Sergio Pérez, advances to Q2 without much difficulty.
Q1 Dropouts: Albon, Lawson, Hülkenberg, Colaponto, Ocon.
Q2: Verstappen Shows Speed, Pérez Also Advances
Max Verstappen, who after Saturday’s sprint race suggested his car felt more like a rally car in Qatar this weekend, performs exceptionally well in the second part of the session. He quickly establishes himself as the fastest, indicating that he might indeed have a shot at the pole position. He seems to benefit the most from the increased grip compared to other drivers. Pérez also makes it to Q3 – barely making the cut as the tenth fastest, but still – showing that the RB20 is performing much better than earlier this weekend. Notably, Kevin Magnussen also advances to the final part as the ninth fastest, outperforming Pierre Gasly among others, who narrowly misses out in the Alpine.
Eliminated in Q2: Gasly, Zhou, Bottas, Tsunoda, Stroll.
Q3: Pole Position for Surprisingly Fast Verstappen
Russell lands the first blow to the competition in the initial phase of the decisive session. He is the fastest, just ahead of Verstappen. But will there be any changes in the decisive run? Surprisingly, it’s the Dutchman who comes out on top. After a very disappointing weekend, it’s a huge surprise that Verstappen secures the pole position: he will start at the front of the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday at 15:00 UTC.
