F1 News: Verstappen nips Russell to win pole for 2024 Qatar GP

Max Verstappen carrying the inferior Red Bull on his back all year, turned a lap of 1m20.520s to win pole for the 2024 Qatar GP on the Lusail International Circuit.

— by Mark Cipolloni–

Verstappen’s fast lap was just 0.055s faster than the Mercedes of George Russell as the two drivers were 1/4-sec up on Lando Norris’ McLaren in third.

After struggling mightily in the Sprint race, Red Bull made changes in the three hours between sessions that unearthed extra pace to compete for the fastest time in qualifying, and Verstappen praised the turnaround in fortunes over the radio after clinching pole.

“Crazy, honestly I didn’t expect that,” said Verstappen.

“Well done to the team for giving me a car that feels more connected, so I could push a bit harder. We did change a bit on the car, but I never thought it would make such a swing in performance. Very happy to be on pole – it’s been awhile.”

“It’s been a great run, the last four qualifying’s we’ve been on the front row every one, which is more than we could have dreamt of” said Verstappen. “My first lap was one of the best I’ve ever done, then on the last lap Max just pipped me.

“I ended up going through the gravel [after coming up behind Verstappen], maybe that’s the reason we didn’t improve. It was a hairy one, two corners before we started our lap.”

“Not the position we were hoping for, but the maximum we could do for sure,” said Norris.

“So happy with the lap, but not happy with the result. there’s not a lot in it between all of us, so we hope we can go forward.”

It was Verstappen’s first pole since the Austrian GP in June because the Red Bull has been so inferior most of the year.  His teammate Sergio Perez was 0.905s behind in 9th place, which underscores the fact that Verstappen continues to carry the car on his back.

Oscar Piastri was 4th quick in the 2nd McLaren, 0.309s behind Verstappen.

Charles Leclerc rounded out the top-5 for Ferrari, 0.332s behind Verstappen.

Race Control have noted Verstappen – but not for impeding. instead, he’s been noted for failing to meet the maximum delta time, which is normally a slap on the wrist.

Verstappen and Russell share the front row, ahead of an all-McLaren second row lock out.

Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are on the third row, ahead of Carlos Sainz Jr, Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez and Kevin Magnussen in 10th.

Alonso is chasing Aston Martin’s first points since Singapore, Magnussen will be looking to build Haas’ lead even more over Alpine, Gasly just behind will want to fight back into the points.

It was another tough session for the other Williams of Franco Colapinto, who could not improve on 19th, while Alpine’s Esteban Ocon will bring up the rear in 20th place.

Tire degradation is set to be high, and McLaren could have the edge on race pace. Russell and Verstappen have nothing to lose, and Ferrari need to fight back to keep the constructors’ alive.

2024 Qatar GP Qualifying Results