F1 Qatar GP LIVE: Qualifying results and race start time as Max Verstappen claims pole position
F1 reaction after qualifying at the Lusail International Circuit as Verstappen claims pole ahead of George Russell
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Max Verstappen celebrated his fourth world championship by putting his Red Bull on pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix.
Verstappen started sixth and finished only eighth in the earlier sprint race won by Oscar Piastri as McLaren edged closer to their first constructors’ title in 26 years.
But the Dutch driver returned to form for qualifying for Sunday’s 57-lap main event by seeing off Mercedes’ George Russell by just 0.055 seconds to take both his and Red Bull’s first pole since Austria exactly five months ago.
Lando Norris, who handed team-mate Piastri victory in the sprint race earlier on Saturday – with McLaren securing a one-two finish to move 30 points clear of Ferrari – took third, 0.252sec back.
TOP-8 IN THE QATAR GP SPRINT:
1. Oscar Piastri
2. Lando Norris
3. George Russell
4. Carlos Sainz
5. Charles Leclerc
6. Lewis Hamilton
7. Nico Hulkenberg
8. Max Verstappen
F1 Qatar GP LIVE: Oscar Piastri on team radio
“Appreciate the teamwork!” says Piastri.
I bet he does!
F1 Qatar GP LIVE: Oscar Piastri wins the sprint race!
Unbelievable!
Lando Norris gifts Oscar Piastri the victory at the last corner! He gives back the sprint win given to him in Brazil so Piastri takes first place in Qatar!
Russell takes third!
4-8: Sainz, Leclerc, Hamilton, Hulkenberg, Verstappen
F1 Qatar GP LIVE: Piastri holds on to second! (Lap 19/19)
Crucial!
Piastri holds second at turn one of the final lap - and it’s unlikely that Russell will get another chance on this lap!
F1 Qatar GP LIVE: George Russell still right on the tail of Oscar Piastri (Lap 17/19)
But the Mercedes still can’t find a way through, with Piastri still getting the aid of DRS from Norris!
A few more laps to hold on!
Top-10: Norris, Piastri, Russell, Sainz, Leclerc, Hamilton, Hulkenberg, Verstappen
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments