Just In: Max Verstappen Loses Qatar GP Pole Due to Grid Penalty for…read more
Max Verstappen Loses Qatar GP Pole Due to Grid Penalty for…read more
Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, has been stripped of pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix after receiving a one-place grid penalty for obstructing George Russell during qualifying. This decision, announced just hours before the race, marks a rare and controversial ruling from the FIA stewards.
The incident occurred during Q3 when Verstappen was on a slow lap to prepare for his final flying attempt. Russell, who was on the racing line, had to take evasive action to avoid a collision. The Mercedes driver later described the moment as “dangerous,” prompting an official investigation. The stewards reviewed telemetry, video footage, and team communications, ultimately concluding that Verstappen’s actions warranted a penalty.
Verstappen expressed frustration with the decision, claiming it was unfair and inconsistent with rulings earlier in the weekend. “If they take this away, then it makes no sense,” Verstappen said. “We were all driving slowly. I wouldn’t know what I could have done differently. Otherwise, next time I’ll just drive full throttle and pretend I’m crashing everywhere. Then George should have just braked. I’m braking too, aren’t I?”
The stewards clarified that a one-place grid drop, rather than the standard three-place penalty, was applied because neither car was on a flying lap at the time. As a result, Russell moves up to start from the front row, while Verstappen begins the race in second. The rest of the grid remains unchanged.
Russell, fresh off a victory in Las Vegas, is optimistic about his chances in Qatar and took a subtle jab at McLaren, referencing the controversial sprint race finish where Lando Norris slowed to allow teammate Oscar Piastri to win. “Hopefully, we can have a proper race rather than this team orders stuff,” Russell said. “It’s going to be a good battle. Max being in the mix makes it even more exciting. Red Bull looked off the pace earlier, but they’ve turned it around. We’ve got a great race ahead.”
This penalty adds drama to an already competitive grid, with Verstappen determined to recover and Russell aiming for back-to-back wins. All eyes are now on the start of the race, where strategy and precision will play crucial roles in the battle for victory.
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