The starting grid for the Qatar GP, the penultimate round of the Formula 1 World Championship, underwent a major reshuffle late on Saturday evening. After asurvey lasting over three hours, Max Verstappen was penalised one place for obstructing George Russell during the preparation lap in Q3. Pole position thus goes to the Mercedes driver, who will start from the first spot on the grid, with Verstappen next to him on the front row.
A crucial weekend for the Constructors' World Championship
Qatar represents a turning point in the battle for the Constructors' title. McLaren, leader with a 30-point advantage over Ferrari, is getting closer to the possibility of closing out an extraordinary season with its first title since 1998. Yesterday's Sprint Race strengthened the ambitions of the Woking team, thanks to a one-two by Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, capable of managing the race with authority and an impeccable strategy.
On the other hand, Ferrari must face the challenge with determination, trying to use the long-distance race to put pressure on McLaren. Qualifying saw Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finish in fifth and seventh place respectively, separated by Lewis Hamilton. A complicated situation, but the Reds have often shown a better race pace than in qualifying, and hopes of recovering ground remain alive.
Verstappen's pole missed
Verstappen had taken a masterly pole, his first since the Austrian GP, with a perfect lap that had brought him back to the top after a difficult Friday. But the penalty inflicted on him by the stewards for “driving excessively slowly” and for having obstructed Russell, has ruined the dream of a 41st career pole. An unusual decision, which has led the Dutchman to lose only one position instead of the three usually foreseen in similar cases.

The new starting grid of the Qatar GP
Here is the updated order of the 20 riders who will start in the Qatar GP:
1. George Russell (Mercedes)
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)*
3. Lando Norris (McLaren)
4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
7. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
8. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
9. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
10. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
11. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
12. Guanyu Zhou (Kick Sauber)
13. Valtteri Bottas (Kick Sauber)
14. Yuki Tsunoda (Team RB)
15. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
16. Alexander Albon (Williams)
17. Liam Lawson (Team RB)
18. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
19. Franco Colapinto (Williams)
20. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
(* = Penalized by one position)
The lights of Losail will be turned on at 17:00 Italian time on a race that could change the fate of this exciting season. Who will prevail this time?