OFFICIAL GRID: Verstappen on pole, Perez takes pit-lane start after power unit change

Both titles may be wrapped up, but there's still everything to play for in Lusail. And with both McLarens among those out of position on the Qatar grid, it's going to be a thrilling start under the desert floodlights.

Our newly (re)crowned champion Max Verstappen is the familiar driver in pole position, but he will have the Mercedes' of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton to contend with on the run to Turn 1, not to mention the ever-wily Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin.

REPORT: Verstappen dominates to take pole position ahead of Mercedes as he closes in on third world title in Qatar

Charles Leclerc is the lead Ferrari in P5 on the grid, with team mate Sainz withdrawn from the race at the last minute due to a fuel system issue. For McLaren, both Sprint winner Oscar Piastri and team mate Lando Norris had crucial qualifying lap times deleted for track limits infringements, putting them sixth and 10th respectively.

And at the very back, look out for Sergio Perez aiming to climb his way through the pack. The Mexican had qualified a disappointing P13 in the second Red Bull, but following his collision with Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg in the Sprint, he will now start from the pit lane following a power unit change.

The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix starts at 2000 local time. Be sure to join our live coverage from 1900 here.