Verstappen details unusual challenges in Qatar pole run

Max Verstappen has explained the difficulties presented by the track conditions as he stormed to Qatar Grand Prix pole position.

Verstappen only completed a single flying lap in Q3 at Lusail as he wrapped up a 30th career pole on a weekend he can secure his third World Championship in the Sprint race on Saturday.

The Lusail track has been a challenge for drivers owing to low-grip conditions made possible by a newly-resurfaced track and sand from the desert blowing across.

Despite this, Verstappen roared to P1, and will be joined by George Russell on the front-row after Lando Norris received a track limits deletion for his time which would have been good enough for P2.

Verstappen's challenge

"It's quite tricky out there with the new tarmac, it still needs to rubber in," Verstappen explained.

"It has very peaky grip so as soon as you over-push, the rear wants to step out, but it has been a good day for us.

"I want to win the race, we want to put it on pole, naturally you want to do that, but first of all, let's make sure that we have a good day tomorrow.

"It is going to be a bit more difficult to get the tyres ready to work with the sand coming onto the track, but it is a great start to the weekend, and that's all I could hope for."