The checkered flag fell on qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix with Max Verstappen securing a solid third place. After the challenges of yesterday, the Red Bull driver regained confidence in his car and finished just a few tenths shy of the front row, which was dominated by the two McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Max Verstappen set a time of 1:19.651, finishing just two-tenths off pole. He tried everything: double warm-up laps, different car setups, but against the pace of the MCL39 on the Lusail circuit, there was little more he could do.
Looking at the bigger picture, especially after the Sprint race, Max Verstappen is aware that his chances of securing a fifth consecutive world championship are slipping. In race trim, the two McLarens are even stronger, and only a miracle could keep the Dutchman in contention heading to Abu Dhabi.
Max Verstappen reflects on qualifying and race prospects
“Today went much better than yesterday, even though we are still quite a way off. I’m happy with the improvements we made to the car. We reached our limit and couldn’t push further,” Verstappen said.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s race, the Dutch driver added: “We start from the second row and will have our opportunities. However, overtaking here is difficult, and it will be very tough. It didn’t go as I would have liked, but we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
From a championship perspective, if Lando Norris finishes ahead of Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver would be mathematically eliminated from the title fight.
Third on the grid is the best damage limitation possible tonight, but tomorrow the pressure is firmly on.
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