World champion Max Verstappen qualifies on pole for Qatar Grand Prix

The Dutchman edged out George Russell.

POLE: Max Verstappen qualified on pole in Qatar. Picture: Darko Bandic/AP

Max Verstappen celebrated his fourth world championship by putting his Red Bull on pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix.

Verstappen started sixth and finished only eighth in the earlier sprint race won by Oscar Piastri as McLaren edged closer to their first constructors’ title in 26 years.