Verstappen claims pole position for Qatar Grand Prix with fastest lap
Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix, marking his first in five months. He clocked a fastest lap of 1:20.520, overcoming earlier struggles in the sprint race. George Russell qualified second, just 0.055 seconds behind. Lando Norris took third for McLaren, while Lewis Hamilton finished sixth in the second Mercedes. Verstappen's pole is his 41st career pole and ninth this season. The qualifying session featured tight competition, with several drivers closely matched in times. Verstappen's late lap secured his top spot, despite Russell's earlier lead. The session saw several drivers eliminated, including Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon. The final results reflect a competitive field ahead of the race.