(Doha) Max Verstappen (Red Bull), on his way to winning a third consecutive Formula 1 world champion title, will start in the lead position for the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday after setting the best qualifying time on Friday at the Doha circuit. Lusail.

The Dutchman beat Mercedes Brits George Russell and Lewis Hamilton to claim his 10th pole position in 17 races this season.

Confusion reigned after the end of qualifying as the two best times of the McLarens of Lando Norris, initially second, and Oscar Piastri, fourth, were deleted, because both drivers had gone outside the limits of the track. The Briton, who had not completed another flying lap, fell to tenth place, while the Australian finally started sixth.

Verstappen, who beat his first pursuers by almost half a second, was once again untouchable on the track made slippery by the sand and was full of confidence before Saturday’s sprint where he should probably win his third world crown .

The two Mercedes are taking advantage of the McLarens’ setbacks to grab very good places on the starting grid which could prove crucial in their fight for second place in the constructors’ and drivers’ standings.

Hamilton could thus take advantage of the poor performance of Sergio Pérez, who will only start in 13th position, to reduce the current gap of 33 points with the Mexican, while his team will start with a nice advantage over the Ferraris, since Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will start in 5th and 12th places respectively.

For once, the two Alpine single-seaters have reached Q3 and will start on the fourth row with Pierre Gasly in 7th and Esteban Ocon in 8th.