F1: Hamilton takes Saudi pole, Verstappen hits the wall – Gulf Digital News

F1: Hamilton takes Saudi pole, Verstappen hits the wall – Gulf Digital News

Lewis Hamilton boosted his bid for a record eighth Formula One title by taking pole position at the first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday as Red Bull rival Max Verstappen crashed at the last corner on his final qualifying lap.

Hamilton, eight points behind the Dutchman with two races to go, was joined on the front row by Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas after the floodlit session on the super-fast Jeddah Corniche street circuit.

Verstappen must finish at least second in the night race to have a chance of taking the title on Sunday.

While the 24-year-old qualified third, there were immediate concerns about the state of his car's gearboxand the possibility of a five-place grid penalty which would be triggered by any change.

"That was looking like the lap of the year," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner of Verstappen's last-gasp effort until the moment of impact.

"It was a mighty, mighty lap. He was pulling something very special out of the bag."

Verstappen, who had been trying to beat Hamilton's time of one minute 27.511 seconds and had earlier brushed the wall at turn one without consequences, said it was a "terrible" end to the session.

His car slid wide after he braked