Verstappen's dominance, Albon raising Williams' game - Talking points from Belgian GP qualifying

Max Verstappen cruised to pole position in qualifying for Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver was in a class of his own throughout the weekend, so much so that he could sit out the final sprint.

It wasn't due to cockiness, but rather the superiority of his Red Bull Formula 1 car.

Here are key talking points from the Belgian GP qualifying.

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Finishes P2, starts from pole Carlos Sainz will start Sunday's race from the front of the grid ??#BelgianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/zerCGecx01

Red Bull leads the way

Coming into the race weekend, it was assumed that Ferrari would have the edge over Red Bull. The Scuderia has been the fastest car all season, but Red Bull chipped away at that advantage throughout the first 13 races. In Belgium, after the summer break, the Austrian team has the fastest car and could they easily secure pole position.

Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Perez, had a tough time behind the wheel, but he managed to secure third place behind Verstappen and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz. The other Ferrari of Charles Leclerc qualified fourth.

READ: WRAP | 2022 Belgian GP - Verstappen cruises to pole in qualifying, but penalties await

However, Verstappen and Leclerc are among six drivers facing penalties for power unit-related changes. They will start at the back of the grid after the penalties are imposed.

"It was an amazing qualifying but also the whole weekend, [the] car's been working really well, and it all came together in qualifying," an elated Verstappen said." Very happy with my lap. It's great to be here; amazing track. With a car like this, it would be a shame not to be on the podium."

Sainz will thus start from the