Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has secured pole position for Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix, edging out Championship leader Max Verstappen.
With as much discussion being held behind the scenes as there has been racing, Hamilton was keen to make a statement ahead of the next chapter of the title race.
The British driver, who trails Verstappen by 14 points, was aided by a late yellow flag during Q3, but he comfortably got the better of his rival.
Hamilton secured pole by almost half a second, while Verstappen finished two tenths clear of Valtteri Bottas in third spot.
Pierre Gasly was fourth in the AlphaTauri, despite a late puncture, while Fernando Alonso was an impressive fifth in the Alpine.
Red Bull driver Sergio Perez failed to make it through to final qualifying, having to settle for 11th spot on the grid.
