Why did Verstappen lose pole position in wet Turkish GP qualifying?

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Verstappen Lost Turkish GP Pole Position Due to Tire Issues in Final Qualifying Lap

Max Verstappen lost pole position for the Turkish Grand Prix qualifying due to difficulties adapting to intermediate tires in the crucial final moments of the session. Despite leading all practice and qualifying sessions until that point, Verstappen expressed significant frustration with his Red Bull's performance on the intermediate compound, stating that the team "missed something" in the tire switch. He felt a stark contrast in performance after being comfortable on wet tires throughout the weekend, leading to his disappointment at missing out on the top starting spot.
Struggles with Intermediate Tires

Verstappen indicated that his Red Bull car encountered significant issues when transitioning to intermediate tires during the final phase of qualifying. He explicitly stated that he could not make the intermediate tires work effectively, a stark contrast to his comfortable performance on full wet tires. This inability to adapt to the changing conditions on the intermediate compound ultimately cost him the pole position.
Frustration Over Missed Opportunity

The Dutch driver conveyed his deep disappointment, having been the dominant force throughout the practice sessions and leading up to the final qualifying segment. Verstappen mentioned feeling "terrible" after being comfortable all weekend and then losing the pole position, a sentiment amplified by his aspiration for the best possible result. He noted that while being second is not a poor outcome, his personal drive always pushes him to achieve more.
Doubts About Overtaking Prospects

Looking ahead to the race, Verstappen expressed skepticism regarding the potential for overtaking on the Istanbul Park circuit. He highlighted that the track appears to have only a single racing line, with a significant loss of grip off that line. This characteristic suggests that passing opportunities might be limited, adding another layer of concern following his qualifying setback.
Hamilton's Sixth Place Start

In the context of the championship battle, Lewis Hamilton, who could secure his seventh world title, qualified in sixth position. Hamilton had also experienced struggles during the qualifying session, indicating that the challenging wet conditions and tire management were affecting multiple drivers at the front of the field.

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Why did Verstappen lose pole position in wet Turkish GP qualifying?

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