F1 2024 Qatar Grand Prix: Starting Grid Confirmed Following Penalties
The starting grid for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit has been finalized after a dramatic qualifying session and subsequent penalties that reshaped the lineup. George Russell will lead the pack from pole position after Max Verstappen, who initially claimed the top spot, received a late one-place grid penalty.
Verstappen, the reigning four-time world champion, will start second, while McLaren’s Lando Norris takes third. Norris, along with his teammate Oscar Piastri in fourth, looks poised to challenge for a strong result as McLaren aims to solidify its advantage over Ferrari in the constructors’ championship.
Starting Grid – 2024 Qatar Grand Prix
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:20.575
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:20.520 (with one-place grid penalty)
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – +0.252
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.309
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.332
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – +0.491
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – +0.521
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +0.731
- Sergio Perez (Red Bull) – +0.905
- Kevin Magnussen (Haas) – +0.980
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- Zhou Guanyu (Kick Sauber)
- Valtteri Bottas (Kick Sauber)
- Yuki Tsunoda (VCARB)
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
- Alex Albon (Williams)
- Liam Lawson (VCARB)
- Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
- Franco Colapinto (Williams)
- Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
Key Highlights Ahead of the Race
- Russell on Pole: This marks a crucial opportunity for George Russell and Mercedes to capitalize on Verstappen’s penalty, with the Brit leading from the front.
- McLaren’s Momentum: Both Norris and Piastri start in strong positions, reflecting McLaren’s upward trajectory in their rivalry with Ferrari.
- Sergio Perez’s Challenge: Starting in ninth after a difficult sprint weekend, Perez faces a critical race as speculation about his future at Red Bull continues.
Race Details
The Qatar Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, December 1, at 7:00 PM local time (AST). Global start times are as follows:
- CET (Central European Time): 5:00 PM
- GMT (United Kingdom): 4:00 PM
- EST (Eastern Time, USA): 11:00 AM
- CST (Central Time, USA): 10:00 AM
- PST (Pacific Time, USA): 8:00 AM
With Verstappen seeking redemption and McLaren eyeing a double podium, the race promises intense battles and potential surprises under the floodlights of Lusail.
