Ferrari experienced a disastrous Qatar F1 Grand Prix qualifying, with Charles Leclerc 10th and Lewis Hamilton a disappointing 18th. Both drivers expressed extreme frustration over the SF-25's handling issues, citing constant fighting with the car, sliding, and bouncing. The team's struggles jeopardize their championship standing, with little optimism for a points recovery in the main race, leaving both drivers searching for answers and an unusually quiet Hamilton. The mandated two-stop strategy further complicates their tactical options.
Williams' Alex Albon has been cleared by the FIA after a near-miss with Esteban Ocon in Qatar GP qualifying, avoiding a penalty despite Ocon reporting an "almost crash." The incident highlights the challenges of pitlane congestion during qualifying, with Albon suggesting rule changes might be needed to prevent similar situations.
The F1 Qatar Grand Prix qualifying saw McLaren's Oscar Piastri claim pole, while teammate Lando Norris made a crucial error. Pierre Gasly impressed with a Q3 appearance for Alpine, but Lewis Hamilton and Lance Stroll faced early eliminations. These results set the stage for a challenging race on a track where grid position is key, with some drivers needing significant recovery drives.
Carlos Sainz's Qatar GP qualifying was marred by plastic from his garage floor sticking to his tires, impacting his Q3 performance and causing minor bodywork damage. Despite the setback, he qualified P7 and aims for a top-six finish. Meanwhile, Williams Racing was fined €5000 for an unsafe car release related to similar plastic issues, highlighting critical safety protocols.
Lando Norris narrowly missed pole position at the Qatar Grand Prix qualifying due to an aborted final lap caused by understeer, handing the top spot to teammate Oscar Piastri. Despite the disappointment, Norris remained composed, while Piastri celebrated a strong resurgence weekend. The upcoming race promises intense action with a mandatory two-stop strategy due to Pirelli's tyre regulations, setting the stage for a physically demanding and strategic battle.
Williams received a €5,000 fine from the FIA for an unsafe release during Qatar Grand Prix qualifying. A floor sticker on Carlos Sainz's car caused control issues, leading to a red flag. The incident underscores the critical importance of pit lane safety and team accountability in Formula 1.
Max Verstappen is still battling significant bouncing issues in his Red Bull RB21, despite qualifying third for the Qatar Grand Prix. This persistent problem, which hindered his sprint qualifying performance, continues to affect his ability to push harder. With his championship hopes hanging by a thread, overcoming these limitations is crucial as he aims to outscore Lando Norris and extend the title fight to Abu Dhabi.
Oscar Piastri secured pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix, setting a new lap record and continuing his dominant run at Lusail. He will start ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris, further intensifying their championship battle. Max Verstappen qualified third despite Red Bull's weekend struggles. Ferrari faced challenges, with Leclerc in 10th and Hamilton suffering another Q1 exit.
Relive the most exciting moments from the Qatar Grand Prix qualifying session. Max Verstappen claimed pole position with a dominant display, while McLaren showed promising pace and Mercedes struggled to find their rhythm. This sets the stage for a thrilling race where starting positions and tire strategy will be key to success on the challenging Losail International Circuit.
Oscar Piastri secured his sixth pole position for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix, crucially boosting his F1 championship hopes. McLaren locked out the front row with Lando Norris in second, while Max Verstappen starts third. The grid sets up a thrilling penultimate race, with Piastri needing a strong performance to keep his title bid alive against fierce competition.
Oscar Piastri secured pole for the Qatar GP, outperforming teammate Lando Norris who made a crucial error on his final lap. McLaren dominated qualifying, locking out the front row, while Max Verstappen qualified third. Ferrari experienced a disastrous session, with Charles Leclerc struggling and Lewis Hamilton eliminated in Q1, raising concerns about their performance.
McLaren secured a sensational front-row lockout at the Qatar Grand Prix qualifying, with Oscar Piastri taking pole position ahead of teammate Lando Norris. Championship leader Max Verstappen will start third, setting the stage for a dramatic race. This result underscores McLaren's significant progress and challenges Red Bull's dominance, while Mercedes also showed strong form with Russell and Antonelli in the top five. Key drivers like Lewis Hamilton surprisingly exited in Q1, promising an eventful Grand Prix.
