Pink Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen drives throughout the qualifying session forward of the Qatari Method One Grand Prix on the Losail Worldwide Circuit, on the outskirts of the capital metropolis of Doha, on November 20, 2021. (Picture by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP)
Max Verstappen has been handed a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix and can begin the race from seventh, along with his Method One world title rival Lewis Hamilton on pole place.
The Dutchman, who leads Hamilton by 14 factors within the standings with three races remaining within the season, has been penalized for “not respecting” double waved yellow flags throughout qualifying.
Verstappen had certified in second initially, however will probably be changed on the entrance row by Alpha Tauri driver Pierre Gasly.
Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was additionally slapped with a three-place grid penalty and can begin from sixth.
The Finn was penalized for “not slowing down” beneath yellow flags throughout Saturday’s third qualifying session, which Hamilton dominated.
The information is a significant blow to Verstappen’s hopes of a maiden world championship crown and provides Hamilton a lift in his bid for a record-breaking eighth title.
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has been promoted from fifth to 3rd on the grid, with McLaren’s Lando Norris becoming a member of the veteran Spaniard on the second row.
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