P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen is poised to start the Qatar Grand Prix from pole position — his first since June’s Austrian Grand Prix — after edging George Russell to top spot in Lusail. The Dutchman,…
Max Verstappen is starting the Qatar Grand Prix from pole position, his first since the Austrian Grand Prix in June, narrowly beating George Russell to top spot in Lusail. Verstappen is under investigation for potentially impeding Russell during a preparation lap, a move that could result in a grid penalty for him. Russell had initially held provisional pole in Q3, but unusual track conditions led to most drivers struggling to improve their lap times in the final session. Despite a slow middle sector in his final lap, Russell finished second, with Lando Norris in third and Lewis Hamilton in sixth. Carlos Sainz is being investigated for an unsafe release from pit lane, while Fernando Alonso qualified eighth, ahead of Sergio Perez in ninth and Kevin Magnussen in tenth. Zhou Guanyu led Valtteri Bottas in 12th and 13th, as Sauber secured its first double-Q2 appearance of the season.
