F1 Qatar Grand Prix 2024 starting grid with Max Verstappen penalty applied

The FIA have confirmed the starting grid for the 2024 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, with a post-qualifying penalty handed out to newly-crowned world champion Max Verstappen.

The Dutchman believed that he had secured his first pole position since the Austrian Grand Prix, but was relegated to second late in the night.

READ MORE: FIA announce 17-driver Qatar Grand Prix penalty decision

The four-time world champion was followed by George Russell – who has now been promoted to pole – and Lando Norris in P3, who will be eager to snatch the lead from the Mercedes star at the first corner.

Sergio Perez, who suffered a woeful sprint race performance on Saturday, managed to make it into Q3 and will start the grand prix P9, just above the Haas of Kevin Magnussen.

McLaren have gained the upper hand going into Sunday's race ahead of Ferrari in the constructors' championship, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz claiming P5 and P7 on the grid and behind both of their rivals.

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F1 Qatar Grand Prix 2024 starting grid

1. George Russell [Mercedes] - 1:20.575
2. *Max Verstappen [Red Bull] - 1:20:520 (includes one-place grid penalty)
3. Lando Norris [McLaren] - +0.252
4. Oscar Piastri [McLaren] - +0.309
5. Charles Leclerc [Ferrari] - +0.332
6. Lewis Hamilton [Mercedes] - +0.491
7. Carlos Sainz [Ferrari] - +0.521
8. Fernando Alonso [Aston Martin] - +0.731
9. Sergio Perez [Red Bull] - +0.905
10. Kevin Magnussen [Haas] - +0.980
11. Pierre Gasly [Alpine]
12. Zhou Guanyu [Kick Sauber]
13. Valtteri Bottas [Kick Sauber]
14. Yuki Tsunoda [VCARB]
15. Lance Stroll [Aston Martin]
16. Alex Albon [Williams]
17. Liam Lawson [VCARB]
18. Nico Hulkenberg [Haas]
19. Franco Colapinto [Williams]
20. Esteban Ocon [Alpine]

Qatar Grand Prix Race - Sunday, December 1, 2024

The race in Qatar kicks off today, Saturday, December 1, at 7pm local time.

Find the session start times converted to your local time zone below!

Local time (AST): 7pm Sunday
United States (EST): 11am Sunday
United States (CST): 10am Sunday
United States (PST): 8am Sunday
Central European Time (CET): 5pm Sunday
United Kingdom (GMT): 4pm Sunday

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