Max Verstappen overjoyed after ending five-month pole drought after Qualifying at Qatar GP
Max Verstappen was extremely pleased after amassing a long-awaited pole position in the 2024 season at the Qatar GP.
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Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen has continued with his strong performances despite winning the championship at the Las Vegas GP. The 27-year-old suffered from a woeful first half of the weekend in Qatar. However, Verstappen managed a massive turnaround in the Qualifying session and clinched the pole position from George Russell.
Red Bull’s incessant performance struggles were evidently present at the Qatar weekend as well. The Dutchman barely scored points in his sprint outing after suffering from a woeful start. The team worked well on the chassis to help the 27-year-old contend for the pole position.
Max Verstappen led the pack with a 0.055s lead to Russell after scoring a 1:20.520s lap time around the circuit. The Dutchman pointed out that the team tweaked some stuff in the car after a disastrous sprint race.
However, the reigning world champion never imagined managing such a massive turnaround in pace. Hence, he was extremely pleased with the pole position after a slump in performance since his last pole.
We did change a bit on the car, but I never thought it would make such a swing in performance. Very happy to be on pole – it’s been awhile.
Max Verstappen said during a post-session interview
Verstappen: "We did change a bit on the car, but I never thought it would make such a swing in performance. Very happy to be on pole – it's been awhile."
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) November 30, 2024
Max Verstappen labeled Red Bull’s turnaround as ‘crazy’
After securing the pole position, Max Verstappen reiterated how shocking it was to amass P1. The Dutchman thanked the entire crew for making the car ‘more connected.’ Verstappen will have a great shot at scoring the race win on Sunday and further extending the lead despite already securing the world championship.
Crazy, honestly I didn’t expect that. Well done to the team for giving me a car that feels more connected, so I could push a bit harder.
Max Verstappen added
Red Bull currently seems far off in the championship contention after Sergio Perez‘s woeful performances. Milton Keynes has minimal chances of competing for a runner-up spot in the standings as well. Regardless, Verstappen will give it his all in the final two races of the season before heading into the winter break.
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Aditya Pandya
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