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Formula 1 Qatar GP

F1 Qatar GP Live Commentary and Updates – Race

Minute-by-minute updates for the 2023 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL60, Lando Norris, McLaren MCL60, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB19, George Russell, Mercedes F1 W14, Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-23, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-23, the rest of the field at the start

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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Starting tyres: Hamilton, Bottas, Lawson and Magnussen all start on softs, Perez starts on hards from the pitlane and everyone else starts on mediums.
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.
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.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino joins the bigwigs at the front of the grid. Oh yeah, there was that football tournament here last year.
Before we find out, it is time for the Qatar national anthem. Sainz joins the rest of the drivers on the grid in his race suit. Not really sure why.
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?
Quote
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."
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.
Verstappen can toast his third F1 world title starting from pole for the Qatar GP but he'll be fending off the Mercedes pair directly behind.
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/
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

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:

 
Back to earlier today, the FIA announced the drivers will be restricted to a maximum 18-lap stint per tyre due to safety concerns with the tyres. It effectively means a minimum three-stop strategy for all. Expect pitlane chaos given it'll condense each pit window. Here's the latest:
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/why-new-tyre-shortage-adds-to-f1-team-headaches-in-three-stop-qatar-gp/10530506/
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.
Breaking news
Starting with some breaking news, Sainz will not start the Qatar GP due to a fuel system failure with his Ferrari. Full story: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/sainz-wont-race-in-f1-qatar-gp-after-fuel-system-problem/10530549/

Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-23, in the pits

Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-23, in the pits

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

It has been a very eventful Qatar event so far and if you missed anything fear not, we'll get you up to speed before lights out in 45 minutes.
Lights green
Hello one and all! The pitlane is open and the drivers are on the way to the grid for the Qatar GP.

By: Autosport Staff

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