Russell was building up on his prep lap to start his final qualifying run when he came across a slow moving Verstappen, and had to run wide. It was unusual in that neither man was on a hot lap, but these days preparing for one is so critical that any disturbance can make life difficult.

Max Verstappen may have qualified first for Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix; however, he won’t line up P1.

Max Verstappen passed George Russell heading into turn 1, negating the one-place grid penalty imposed on the Red Bull driver, then led the entire way to win