Shocking: Qatar 2024 F1 starting grid after Verstappen stripped of pole position…Read more
Qatar 2024 F1 starting grid after Verstappen stripped of pole position
Max Verstappen’s pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix was revoked after he was penalized for driving unnecessarily slowly on the racing line during qualifying.
The incident occurred as George Russell, preparing for a flying lap, had to take evasive action to avoid Verstappen.
As a result, Verstappen will start from the second position alongside Russell on the front row for Sunday’s race.
Behind them, the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri occupy the second row, as they aim to defend their team’s standing in the Constructors’ Championship against Ferrari.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton start fifth and sixth, respectively, followed by Carlos Sainz in seventh.
Fernando Alonso secured eighth, giving Aston Martin a much-needed boost after recent struggles.
Sergio Perez managed to reach Q3 and starts ninth, while Kevin Magnussen rounds out the top ten.
The rest of the grid saw notable performances, including both Sauber drivers—Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas—making it to Q2 for the first time since the Spanish Grand Prix in June.
Pierre Gasly qualified ahead of his Alpine teammate Esteban Ocon, who was nearly nine-tenths slower.
Further back, Yuki Tsunoda lines up 14th, while Lance Stroll starts 15th. Williams’ Alex Albon and AlphaTauri’s Liam Lawson occupy 16th and 17th.
Nico Hülkenberg, rookie Franco Colapinto, and Ocon complete the grid in 18th, 19th, and 20th positions, respectively.
The dynamic qualifying session at Lusail has set the stage for an exciting race day, with various narratives playing out, including McLaren’s push against Ferrari, Aston Martin’s attempt at resurgence, and Verstappen’s challenge from second place after his penalty.
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