Many didn't expect it, but we predicted that Max Verstappen would take pole position at the Qatar Grand Prix. And that's exactly what happened, the Dutch world champion can start from the front tomorrow!
After the first laps of Q1, the order was George Russell, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, but the story seemed very open. For example, Carlos Sainz appeared in third place, as well as Fernando Alonso... In the end, Russell and the two Ferraris closed the stage in the top 3, while the two Williamses, Liam Lawson, Nico Hülkenberg and Esteban Ocon were among the dropouts.
Max Verstappen opened Q2 at the top, with Oscar Piastri and George Russell setting the pace behind him, and it was clear that Red Bull Racing was gaining momentum. McLaren, in particular Norris, took first place after his last attempt in Q2, but Verstappen managed to find something extra and finished ahead of Norris and Leclerc. The two Alfas, however, had to take a shower along with Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda and Lance Stroll.
After the first attempts in Q3, Russell was in the lead against a revived rival Red Bull, but in the end the Dutch driver made such a strong showing and everything worked out so well that he easily took pole position ahead of George Russell and Lando Norris. Tomorrow we can expect an exciting race, as world champion Max Verstappen can start from pole position, while McLaren, who are fighting for the constructors' title, are preparing for the Qatar Grand Prix from a better position.
