Max to start Qatar GP from P3: 'qualifying a little bit better'

Published on 29 November 2025 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen qualified in third place to start Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix from the second row of the grid. McLaren enjoyed a front row lockout with Oscar Piastri claiming pole ahead of championship leader Lando Norris.

“I think this qualifying was a little bit better, but we’re still far off the pace”, explained Max after qualifying. “It felt a little bit better, but we have a few limitations that meant I couldn’t push more over one lap. At least we’re third and it creates a better chance, although we know overtaking is really difficult around here.”

The Dutchman added: “Realistically, this is a difficult weekend. It’s not what I hoped, but we’ll see what we can do tomorrow even though things still aren’t great.”

Qualifying starts off where the sprint race ended; the McLarens set the pace with Max lurking not too far behind in the top five. The Dutchman manages the third best time in Q1 and comfortably proceeds to Q2.

Further back, Max’s Red Bull Racing teammate Yuki Tsunoda has missed the cut in P16. Esteban Ocon (Haas), Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) and Franco Colapinto (Alpine) all fail to progress to the second part of qualifying.

In Q2, Max is one of the early runners and is the first to clock a competitive lap time. He cannot enjoy P1 for long with Piastri setting the pace. Norris struggles on his opening run and following a track limit infringement, the pressure is on for Norris to make his second flying lap stick. He duly does so and slots in between Piastri and Max.

The two Saubers of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto strand in Q2, as well as Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), Oliver Bearman (Haas) and Alex Albon (Williams).

Q3 morphs into the usual top ten shoot out with all the front runners opting for two timed laps. After the first times have been set, Norris leads the way ahead of Piastri, Russell and Max. The session is then briefly red-flagged due to debris on track.

A plastic sticker from Carlos Sainz’s garage floor has attached itself to the rear wheel of the Williams, whilst the Spaniard trundles round the track. Eventually the sticker comes off the tyre but lands on the racetrack.

After the sticker has been retrieved and the track is cleared, the ten remaining drivers prepare for their final shot. Norris is the first to start his flying lap, but a mistake in turn two prompts the British driver to abort his lap. Piastri pounces on the opportunity and claims pole. Meanwhile, Max clocks an excellent lap to beat Russell to third, meaning the top three in the championship will start the Qatar Grand Prix from the front.

Contest GP Qatar: win a by Max Verstappen signed Red Bull Racing cap!

Results qualifying Qatar: