2025 F1 Qatar Grand Prix Sprint: Full Starting Grid Revealed

Oscar Piastri will start from pole position for the 2025 F1 Qatar Grand Prix Sprint race, marking his first P1 start since the Dutch GP in August. His McLaren teammate and title rival Lando Norris will start third, while championship leader Max Verstappen qualified a surprising sixth, out-qualified by his Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda for the first time this season. Lewis Hamilton's struggles continued, placing him in 18th for Ferrari.

Why it matters:

Piastri's pole position is a significant development in the championship battle. If he can convert this into a strong sprint finish, he could dramatically close the gap to Norris, making the title fight even more intense. Verstappen's unusual sixth-place qualification also opens up opportunities for his rivals and puts pressure on the Red Bull driver to recover quickly in the sprint.

The details:

• Piastri's Resurgence: Oscar Piastri secured pole position after a dominant final lap, outpacing George Russell, who will start second. This is his first pole since August's Dutch GP, signaling a strong return to form.
• Championship Implications: A strong performance from Piastri (P1) and a lower finish for Norris (P3) in the sprint could cut Norris's championship lead to just 22 points, tightening the title race significantly.
• Verstappen's Struggle: Max Verstappen will start in an uncharacteristic sixth place, having been out-qualified by his teammate Yuki Tsunoda. This marks the first time this season Verstappen has been out-qualified by a teammate in any format, and the first since Sergio Perez at the 2024 Azerbaijan GP. This performance could be a minor blip or an indication of underlying issues.
• Hamilton's Woes Continue: Lewis Hamilton's challenging season with Ferrari persists, as he will begin the sprint race from a lowly 18th position.

The big picture:

This qualifying session sets the stage for a thrilling Qatar Grand Prix Sprint. The championship contenders are spread out on the grid, promising an exciting race as drivers push to gain crucial points. Verstappen's unusual starting position could add an unpredictable element, forcing him to fight through the field against strong competitors like Piastri, Russell, and Norris, all eager to capitalize on his rare off-day. The performance of teams like Red Bull and Ferrari will be closely watched, with implications for their season trajectory.

What's next:

The provisional grid will need official confirmation from the FIA before the sprint race. All eyes will be on the start as drivers vie for position. The sprint race itself will provide vital points and give an indication of the pecking order and potential strategies for the main Grand Prix. Piastri will aim to convert his pole into a win to maximize his championship gains, while Verstappen will be focused on damage limitation and climbing up the order.