F1 2024 Qatar Grand Prix starting grid with penalties applied....

F1 2024 Qatar Grand Prix starting grid with penalties applied…..Raed more

The starting grid for the 2024 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix has been confirmed, with some notable changes following penalties and qualifying performances. Max Verstappen, who initially appeared to secure his first pole position since the Austrian Grand Prix, saw his hopes dashed due to a late penalty. This decision moved the four-time world champion down one spot, allowing George Russell to be promoted to pole position for the race at Lusail International Circuit.

Russell, driving for Mercedes, posted a time of 1:20.575, narrowly edging Verstappen, who set a time of 1:20.520. However, Verstappen’s penalty, which was applied for an infringement in the session, demoted him to second place on the grid. Lando Norris, who qualified third for McLaren, will be aiming to challenge Russell for the lead when the lights go out, and McLaren’s strong performance in qualifying gives them confidence heading into the race.

Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate at McLaren, will start the race in fourth position. The young Australian showed impressive pace and will be hoping to convert his qualifying result into a solid race performance. Right behind Piastri is Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who will line up in fifth. Leclerc has had a steady season and will be eager to deliver a strong performance to keep his team competitive in the constructors’ standings. Alongside him in the third row is Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, who starts in sixth place. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, will be looking to make up ground in the race and mount a challenge for higher positions.

Carlos Sainz, Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate, will start in seventh place, with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso in eighth. Despite a difficult weekend so far, both Sainz and Alonso are experienced enough to make up places during the race. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, who endured a poor sprint race performance earlier in the weekend, managed to qualify for Q3 and will begin the race in ninth. He will be hoping to recover and take advantage of any opportunities that arise.

Kevin Magnussen, who qualified tenth for Haas, will start the race just ahead of Pierre Gasly, who lines up in eleventh for Alpine. Zhou Guanyu (Kick Sauber) will start in twelfth, with Valtteri Bottas, his teammate at Kick Sauber, starting just behind in thirteenth. Yuki Tsunoda, driving for VCARB, will start in fourteenth, ahead of Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll in fifteenth. Alex Albon, representing Williams, starts sixteenth, with Liam Lawson (VCARB) in seventeenth. Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg starts from eighteenth, with Williams’ Franco Colapinto in nineteenth. Finally, Esteban Ocon, driving for Alpine, will start at the back of the grid in twentieth place.

The grid positions provide an exciting setup for the race, with McLaren and Ferrari close behind the front runners. Russell’s pole position, Verstappen’s penalty, and the fierce competition from other teams mean that Sunday’s race will be full of drama and anticipation. With several top drivers within striking distance, it is expected to be a thrilling Grand Prix as teams battle for both individual and constructors’ championships.