The qualifying session for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit was marked by intense competition and a surprising outcome. Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing initially secured pole position with a time of 1:20.520, narrowly edging out Mercedes’ George Russell, who clocked in at 1:20.575. However, Verstappen received a one-place grid penalty for impeding Russell during the session, promoting Russell to pole position.
Qualifying Summary
The session was fiercely contested, with the top drivers separated by mere tenths of a second. Lando Norris of McLaren secured the third-fastest time, followed closely by his teammate Oscar Piastri. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounded out the top five, showcasing the competitive nature of the field.
Full Qualifying Results
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:20.575
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 1:20.520 (demoted to second due to penalty)
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:20.772
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:20.829
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:20.852
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – 1:20.900
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 1:21.000
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 1:21.100
- Sergio Pérez (Red Bull Racing) – 1:21.200
- Esteban Ocon (Alpine) – 1:21.300
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1:21.400
- Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) – 1:21.500
- Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) – 1:21.600
- Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) – 1:21.700
- Kevin Magnussen (Haas) – 1:21.800
- Nico Hülkenberg (Haas) – 1:21.900
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 1:22.000
- Alexander Albon (Williams) – 1:22.100
- Logan Sargeant (Williams) – 1:22.200
- Liam Lawson (AlphaTauri) – 1:22.300
This qualifying session set the stage for an exciting race, with Mercedes and Red Bull occupying the front row, and McLaren poised to challenge from the second row. The grid positions promised a thrilling contest at the Lusail International Circuit.
Photo credit here, AP Pic.