P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A rare one-place grid penalty for Formula 1 2024 champion Max Verstappen has promoted George Russell into Qatar Grand Prix pole instead
A rare one-place grid penalty for 2024 Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen elevated George Russell to the pole position in the Qatar Grand Prix. Verstappen, who had outpaced Russell by half a tenth, faced a post-session investigation for his approach to the lap before securing pole. Despite Red Bull’s expectation of clearance due to Russell not being on a true push lap, Verstappen was investigated for driving unnecessarily slowly. The stewards’ complex verdict highlighted Verstappen’s failure to comply with the race director’s event notes and inconsiderate driving in the circumstances. As a result, Verstappen lost his pole position, marking his second setback since June.
