Qatar Sprint race starting grid after penalties: McLaren locks row one, Ferrari split by 9 places. Check out the starting grid for the Qatar GP Sprint race.

The qualifying session for the Qatar GP Sprint race has concluded, revealing the starting grid and any penalties that drivers need to serve. The only practice session saw the two McLaren drivers finish in the top two positions, with Oscar Piastri ahead of Lando Norris. Behind them was the ever-present Max Verstappen, still a strong title contender.

Q1 drama: Hamilton eliminated, Antonelli survives

The first phase of qualifying saw both Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli on the brink of elimination. They had to make last-minute runs to save their positions. Antonelli managed to secure P11, while Hamilton was eliminated, starting P18. A tough year continues for the seven-time world champion, in his first season with Ferrari.

Q2: McLaren dominance and bouncing issues for Verstappen

In Q2, the McLaren drivers continued to dominate, while Max Verstappen reported some problems with bouncing. Antonelli survived, moving up from P11 to P10 after Isack Hadjar’s lap was deleted due to track limits. This allowed the Italian rookie to advance into the final session.

Q3: McLaren confirms weekend supremacy

During Q3, McLaren confirmed their strong form in Qatar. The final minute of the session proved decisive for the top positions. Oscar Piastri set a blistering lap to claim pole, with George Russell and Lando Norris following closely. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc could manage only P9, highlighting the struggles Ferrari continues to face in qualifying conditions.

Qatar GP Sprint race starting grid 2025 – F1

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
2. George Russell (Mercedes)
3. Lando Norris (McLaren)
4. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
5. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
8. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
9. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
10. Alexander Albon (Williams)
11. Isack Hadjar (VCARB)
12. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
13. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber Stake)
14. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber Stake)
15. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
16. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
17. Liam Lawson (VCARB)
18. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
19. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)

This grid sets the stage for an exciting Sprint race at Lusail, with McLaren looking strong at the front, while Ferrari’s challenges continue as Hamilton and Leclerc attempt to climb through the field.