Verstappen was involved in a near-miss with Mercedes’ George Russell who qualified alongside him on the front row. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Freshly crowned world champion Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had to settle for third and fourth after their sprinnt race one-two.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen captured pole position for the F1 Qatar Grand Prix, but he will not start there

The FIA have announced their penalty verdict after Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and 15 other drivers were placed under investigation following sprint qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix. ➡️ READ MORE A Red Bull star has been ruled out of the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix following a dramatic failure.

Max Verstappen says he does not need to leave Red Bull to cement his legacy, adding it would be “beautiful” to stay with one team for his entire career.

Oscar Piastri was gifted victory by team-mate Lando Norris in a one-two for McLaren in the Qatar Grand Prix sprint race on Saturday which gave the team precious points in the fight for the Formula One constructors' title.

Max Verstappen put in a brilliant performance in Q2 for the Qatar Grand Prix, as McLaren's early dominance dissipated early on. Meanwhile, George Russell continued his impressive form in Q1, setting the fastest time after starting on pole and winning the race in Las Vegas last weekend.