DOHA − Max Verstappen has been handed a five-place grid penalty for today’s Qatar Grand Prix and will start the race from seventh, with his Formula One world title rival Lewis Hamilton on pole position.
The Dutchman, who leads Lewis by 14 points in the standings with three races remaining in the season, has been penalised for “not respecting” double waved yellow flags during qualifying.
Max had qualified in second originally but will be replaced on the front row by Alpha Tauri driver Pierre Gasly.
Lewis’ Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was also slapped with a three-place grid penalty and will start from sixth.
The Finn was penalised for “not slowing down” under yellow flags during yesterday’s third qualifying session, which Lewis dominated.
The news is a major blow to Max’s hopes of a maiden world championship crown and gives Lewis a boost in his bid for a record-breaking eighth title.
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has been promoted from fifth to third on the grid, with McLaren’s Lando Norris joining the veteran Spaniard on the second row. – AFP, November 22, 2021
