Earlier today, the Formula One qualifying session for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix concluded. Lewis Hamilton starts on pole position, leading a Mercedes front-row lockout. However, the big story is a crash from Max Verstappen in the dying seconds of the Q3 session. As it turns out, many were tuned in to watch the session, including former NASCAR driver, Jimmie Johnson.

The 7-time Cup Series champion confessed that it was a great session and he respected Verstappen’s efforts. According to the American, the Dutch driver simply ‘sent’ the car into the final corner, and that deserved respect. In all honesty, it really looked like the Red Bull star could snatch pole position. Another driver who reacted to the session was Harrison Burton. He wrote on Twitter, “I was super impressed his whole lap! Dude was getting after it!”

What happened to Max Verstappen that had Jimmie Johnson excited?

Unfortunately for  Max, he locked up at the final corner and his right rear tyre clipped the wall, breaking the suspension. It was a real shame too because he had been on an incredible lap. To be precise, the Red Bull driver was nearly two-tenths faster in the second sector.

Sadly for him, he carried a little too much speed into the last corner and locked his tires. This resulted in his car getting a little unsettled and drifting closer to the wall, and that was the end of that. Now, the Dutchman will start the race from 3rd place on the grid. However, that depends on how badly his car is damaged and whether his gearbox needs changing.

If his car is good to go, his new task will be to try and get the jump on the two Mercedes cars ahead of him. If he can somehow manage to muscle his way past and win, he will be closer to winning his maiden championship. However, Lewis Hamilton is not a driver who will give up so easily. Additionally, Valtteri Bottas will try his hardest to aid Hamilton and make himself a nuisance for Verstappen.

READ MORE: “I’ll Never be the King” – Humble Jimmie Johnson Opens Up on GOAT Debate With Dale Earnhardt & Richard Petty

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