Max Verstappen endured exhilaration and then disappointment in qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix, where he took pole position against the odds, his first since Austria in June, only to lose it more than three hours later. With the stewards having taken an exceedingly long look at an incident where he blocked Mercedes’ George Russell, they finally penalised the world champion by one grid place, promoting Russell to pole.
Verstappen appeared determined to close the season hard, having sealed his fourth title at the last round in Las Vegas but his superb lap in qualifying came to naught after a painfully long investigation.
