Max Verstappen loses pole position for Qatar Grand Prix after penalty, George Russell promoted
Max Verstappen has lost his pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix after being penalized for impeding George Russell during qualifying. Russell has been promoted to pole as a result of the penalty. Verstappen had initially secured pole by a narrow margin over Russell. However, the FIA's decision came more than three hours after qualifying ended, confirming the penalty. In the earlier sprint race, Verstappen finished eighth, while Oscar Piastri won, helping McLaren move closer to their first constructors' title in 26 years. Lando Norris will start third in the main event.