Formula 1 news - Lewis Hamilton clinches Qatar Grand Prix pole to continue title fightback on Max Verstappen
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ByEurosport
Updated 20/11/2021 at 21:19 GMT
Lewis Hamilton clinched the first ever pole position at the Qatar Grand Prix to boost his chances of closing the gap on Max Verstappen. The seven-times world champion is looking to build further momentum after a sensational victory at last week's Sao Paulo Grand Prix with Hamilton qualifying ahead of Verstappen in P2.
'Hard work pays off' - Hamilton on Qatar GP qualifying success
Lewis Hamilton clinched pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix to build on the momentum he generated after victory in Sao Paulo.
The seven-times world champion has a 14-point difference to make up on Max Verstappen at the top of the drivers’ championship standings and will now stand a good chance of closing that gap further in Sunday’s race.
At the Losail Circuit for the first time in Formula 1 history, Hamilton’s Q3 time was 0.4 seconds faster than that of Verstappen making it the biggest pole lead in qualifying this season.
Verstappen, whose final lap was impeded by Pierre Gasly who picked up a puncture, will start on the front row alongside Hamilton while Valtteri Bottas, who started the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on pole, clinched P3.
Gasly still managed to qualify fourth ahead of Fernando Alonso despite a puncture with Lando Norris in P5 and former McLaren teammate Carlos Sainz in P6 for Ferrari.
Hamilton is aiming to win his second straight race after breathing new life into his title defence with a sensational victory at Interlagos last week which saw him go from 20th before sprint qualifying to first.
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