Minute-by-minute updates for the 2023 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix
Max Verstappen wrapped up his third F1 world title in the Qatar sprint on Saturday and starts today’s grand prix on pole looking to celebrate in style.
But the race has thrown F1 teams a curveball with a mandated maximum of 18-lap stints – effectively pushing all drivers into a three-stop strategy – due to safety concerns on tyre trouble.
In conjunction with Pirelli, the FIA made the emergency measures official on Sunday afternoon before the race, following Saturday’s track limit changes at Turn 12 and 13 to deter drivers from going over the new and harsher kerbs.
The Qatar GP gets under way at 6:00pm BST.
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Summary
Summary
Chequered flag: Three-time world champion Max Verstappen wins the Qatar Grand Prix - his 14th victory of the season
McLaren lock out the podium with Oscar Piastri second and Lando Norris third
Lap 1/57 - Mercedes duo Hamilton and Russell collide at Turn 1, - Safety Car deployed - Verstappen leads Piastri and Alonso
Maximum 18-lap stints mandated by the FIA over tyre concerns, meaning all drivers set for minimum three-stop race
Sainz unable to start race due to fuel system failure with his Ferrari - Perez starts from pitlane after car changes following his sprint race crash
In fact, it is also all happening on the track right now, as on his lap to the grid Gasly has gone wide at battered a brake marker board. There should be minimal to zero damage to his Alpine but that is hardly ideal preparation.
Drivers are still free to use whatever tyres they wish, just for no more than 18 laps per set. Here is a handy guide for who has what options throughout the race:
Tyre drama and Sainz DNS-ing aside, the 2023 F1 world champion was crowned yesterday. Remember him? Verstappen sealed the deal with second in the sprint which was won by Piastri. Here's a recap on the action: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-qatar-gp-sprint-race/10530052/
It is less good news on the other side of the Red Bull garage as Perez starts from the pitlane due to car changes following his sprint crash with Ocon and Hulkenberg. He was due to start 13th on the grid after a Q2 exit in Friday's qualifying.
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur on Sainz's DNS: "One hour before [pitlane opened] we fuelled the car and there was an issue with the fuel system and it was too late to change things. It is a shame because he was in a good momentum after Monza, Singapore and Suzuka."
With both world titles decided, from here on out it is a bit of a free hit for everyone, right? Will Qatar provide fireworks or will the unexpected tyre stint rules mean the race will fizzle out?
With the anthem over, some kind of orchestra and lights show is trying to build up atmosphere but it looks like nobody has any idea what is going on. Anyway, just under 10 minutes until lights out you'll be happy to hear.
Right, the grid is cleared and we are ready to go racing. Each team probably has a tally chart that counts up to 18 at the ready. Let's hope for no Marc Marquez 2013 Australian MotoGP-style miscounts.
It is worth stating it isn't clear who is on fresh tyres and therefore if they can go for 18 laps from the start or will need to pit earlier. For those on the softs, I'd be surprised if they made it to lap 18.
The two Williams drivers and Zhou, who all got knocked out in SQ1 yesterday, are all on fresh medium tyres. Not making it through the qualifying phases does have its uses, it would appear!
"I'm a sitting duck to all these guys," Hamilton says on the formation lap. I'd take that as he's regretting being the only frontrunner starting on the softs.
In the lower order Norris is up to P6 with Gasly, Tsunoda, Bottas and Hulkenberg all in the points. There are currently eight different teams in the points paying positions!
Verstappen leads from Piastri who made a mega start and benefits from the Merc clash to go from sixth to second. Alonso is third from Leclerc and Ocon.
Russell has pitted for a new front wing and a fresh set of tyres. He returns to the track in P18 as the last runner. There were, however, plenty of concerned faces while checking over the car.
Both Mercedes got a great launch, Russell on the outside of Verstappen, but he gets sandwiched by Hamilton coming in hot into Turn 1. The pair clash wheels and it sends Hamilton out as his right-rear wheel comes off.
"So sorry guys. I wasn't even looking, I was just focused ahead and he just came from nowhere," Russell says on team radio. Meanwhile Hamilton crosses the track on his way back to the pits and he'll get in trouble for that.
Toto Wolff, who isn't in Qatar as he's recovering from a knee injury, tells Russell over the radio: "George, let's race now, let's make the best out of it."
After starting last and in the pitlane, Perez is up in P13 at present, benefitting from Hamilton's retirement and the stops of those who were around him during the safety car interuption.
