Sprint Race Grid fot the Qatar GP has changed!
The starting grid for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix Sprint Race has changed dramatically, with four drivers set to start from the pit lane. Several teams have opted to use the Sprint as a real testing session to fine-tune their setups.
Among them is Lewis Hamilton, who will start from the pits after qualifying only 18th. The seven-time World Champion aims to use the Sprint to experiment with different solutions and optimize his car for the main race.
Hamilton won’t be alone in this strategy: Lance Stroll, Pierre Gasly, and Franco Colapinto will also start from the pit lane, choosing technical development over grid position. This approach will allow teams to gather crucial data on car behavior, tyre management, and traffic strategies.
With this tactic, the Sprint becomes not only a battle for points but also a valuable tool for development ahead of Sunday’s race.
Starting Grid
- Oscar Piastri – McLaren – 1:20.055
- George Russell – Mercedes – +0.032
- Lando Norris – McLaren – +0.230
- Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin – +0.395
- Yuki Tsunoda – Red Bull Racing – +0.464
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing – +0.473
- Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes – +0.477
- Carlos Sainz – Williams – +0.487
- Charles Leclerc – Ferrari – +0.567
- Alexander Albon – Williams – +0.733
- Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls
- Oliver Bearman – Haas F1 Team
- Gabriel Bortoleto – Kick Sauber
- Nico Hulkenberg – Kick Sauber
- Esteban Ocon – Haas F1 Team
- Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls
- Lance Stroll – Aston Martin (from pit)
- Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari (from pit)
- Pierre Gasly – Alpine (from pit)
- Franco Colapinto – Alpine (from pit)