OFFICIAL GRID: Who starts where for potential title decider in Qatar

What more could you ask for? The three title protagonists filling the first three positions on the grid – on a day in Qatar when one of them could clinch the championship, and another must beat him to stay in the fight.

McLaren’s Lando Norris – the driver who will be crowned this evening if he wins the Grand Prix – starts second, but with team mate Oscar Piastri ahead of him on pole. And immediately behind is the Red Bull of reigning champion Max Verstappen, who has to finish ahead of Norris to remain in contention.

Of course, there are plenty of others who could come into play into Turn 1 after the lights go out. First among them are the Mercedes of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in P4 and 5 respectively. And don’t discount the drivers in sixth and seventh: Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar and Williams’ Carlos Sainz.

Completing our top 10 on the grid we have Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, the Alpine of Pierre Gasly and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc – whose team mate Lewis Hamilton again failed to make the Q2 cut in Qualifying and starts down in 17th.

On the back row is Kick Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto, who was penalised five places for causing a collision last time out in Las Vegas, while the second Alpine of Franco Colapinto starts from the pit lane after set-up changes.

The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix starts at 1900 local time. Be sure to join our live coverage from 1800 here.