Max Verstappen loses Qatar GP pole after penalty for impeding George Russell

Max Verstappen has lost his pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix after being penalized for impeding George Russell during qualifying. This decision promotes Russell to the top spot on the grid for the race. The penalty was confirmed more than three hours after qualifying ended. Stewards stated Verstappen was "driving unnecessarily slowly" while trying to cool his tires, which affected Russell's lap. Russell expressed that Verstappen's actions likely cost him the pole, as he had a difficult out lap. Verstappen defended his driving, noting that he was also trying to create space on the track.