Verstappen makes his tenth pole with Alonso sixth and Sainz out in Q2

MADRID, 6 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Dutch Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) took pole this Friday for the Qatar Grand Prix to begin a clear countdown towards his third title, while Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) will start sixth on Sunday and Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) did not pass Q2.

Verstappen did his homework ahead of the race, but he will have the option of being world champion for the third year in a row this Saturday in the sprint. The Red Bull driver went from less to more as always until he hit the mark (1:23.778) in Q3, first ahead of Lando Norris (McLaren) and George Russell (Mercedes).

Alonso fought but it was soon seen that he could not defeat them or the other two orange and silver cars of Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton. Thus, the double world champion finished sixth on a disastrous grid for the Ferraris, especially Sainz. The Madrid native suffered more than anyone from the lack of grip at the Lusial circuit and by 31 thousandths he did not enter Q3.