Formula 1: “Crazy”: Verstappen races to Qatar pole

After a problematic start at the Lusail International Circuit, Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix, much to his own surprise. After a disappointing sprint race just four hours earlier with eighth place, the four-time Formula 1 champion raced to first place in the knockout rounds.

“What a turnaround,” Verstappen radioed cheerfully to the Red Bull command post: “Crazy, I didn’t expect that either.” The 27-year-old Dutchman achieved his last pole to date in Spielberg at the beginning of July.

Second, 55 thousandths of a second behind, was Las Vegas winner George Russell in the Mercedes ahead of Lando Norris in the McLaren. Teammate Oscar Piastri came fourth. Charles Leclcerc and Carlos Sainz from McLaren’s pursuer Ferrari didn’t get past fifth and seventh place – a clear disadvantage in the fight for the team title.

In the classification, McLaren leads Ferrari by 30 points – also thanks to the double success in the sprint race in Qatar. In the last of its kind this year over 100 kilometers, Norris let his teammate win in the last few meters as a thank you for his help in Brazil.

First and second place and the fastest race lap would bring another 44 points in the main race this Sunday, the same applies to the finale next Sunday in Abu Dhabi. This means: This is how many points – 44 – ahead McLaren needs if they win if the team wants to secure the constructors’ title early in Qatar. Without a win, 45 are needed because they are currently 5:5 after wins, but Ferrari are significantly less second has places. Defending champion Red Bull is third in the constructors’ championship, 67 points behind McLaren.

Pérez’s embarrassing moment in the pit lane

This is mainly due to Sergio Pérez, who came last in the sprint and caused a strange scene when he was surprised and overtaken by the Argentinian Williams driver right there when he started from the pit lane. Because nothing was working anyway, Red Bull made a few changes to the Mexican’s car during a pit stop, which paved the way for Verstappen to take pole in qualifying. Before that, Verstappen had not gotten past eighth place in the sprint either. He won four of the six races over 100 kilometers this season.