Verstappen take Qatar GP Pole-Qualifying Results
Verstappen took Qatar pole after track limits penalties ruined qualifying for McLaren's Norris and Piastri. Mercedes promote to P2 and P3.
Q1
The first qualifying session saw the top teams immediately battle for supremacy, with championship leader Max Verstappen going quickest early on for Red Bull.
However, the tricky track limits at the Losail Circuit caught out several contenders like Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Lando Norris, whose fastest laps got deleted.
In the closing minutes, Alexander Albon was knocked out for Williams after having his best effort also removed for exceeding track limits.
Q2
The second session witnessed further drama as Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull could only manage 9th after losing his quickest lap time to a track limits violation, resulting in elimination.
Joining the Mexican on the sidelines were Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr. and Aston Martin's Nico Hulkenberg.
Verstappen continued to lead Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton at the front.
Q3
In the final shootout, Verstappen appeared dominant by setting a 1:23.778 on his first run to lead by nearly half a second.
But a mistake ruined his final hot lap. Meanwhile, Lando Norris incredibly went second-fastest but later had it deleted for track limits.
George Russell was promoted to P2 before McLaren's Oscar Piastri also lost his best effort from third place for the same reason.
Despite his Q3 error, Verstappen will start from pole ahead of the Mercedes pair.
Qatar GP Qualifying Results
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