2024 Qatar Grand Prix

Championship standings

Max Verstappen, who clinched his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship title at the previous Grand Prix in Las Vegas, leads the Drivers’ Championship with 403 points, 63 points ahead of Lando Norris in second, and 84 ahead of Charles Leclerc in third. McLaren, holding 608 points, enters this round as the leader of the Constructors’ Championship from Ferrari and Red Bull Racing, who are second and third with 584 and 555 points, respectively.

Previous race

At the Las Vegas Grand Prix, George Russell won from pole ahead of Lewis Hamilton for a Mercedes 1-2, their first since 2022. Verstappen finished fifth, securing his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship title. Ferrari reduced their deficit to McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship to 24 points.

Championship permutations

McLaren has the opportunity to secure its ninth World Constructors’ Championship title at this event, which would be its first since 1998. At the conclusion of this Grand Prix, one race remains in the season with 44 points still available. McLaren can win the title if they outscore Ferrari by at least 20 points and are not outscored by Red Bull Racing by more than 9. The title cannot be decided at the end of the sprint.

Entrants

This Grand Prix marks Esteban Ocon’s last race start for Alpine, as he is required by the team to exit one race early so he can drive for Haas in the post-season test in anticipation of their 2025 campaign. Reserve driver and 2025 signing Jack Doohan is called up to replace him for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Milestones

This is the last race at which the fastest lap point is awarded, a rule introduced for the 2019 season.

Sprint format

This is the sixth and final Grand Prix of the season to utilise the sprint format. The weekend structure consists of a single free practice session, followed by sprint qualifying, the sprint race on Saturday, then Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday evening, with the main race on Sunday. This is the second time that the Qatar Grand Prix has featured the sprint format.

Weather

Clear conditions are expected for race day.

Tyre choices

Tyre supplier Pirelli brings the C1, C2, and C3 tyre compounds (the three hardest in their range), designated hard, medium, and soft, respectively.

Track changes

The DRS zone leading into turn 1 is shortened by 100 metres.

Practice

The only free practice session is topped by Charles Leclerc of Ferrari ahead of Lando Norris of McLaren and his teammate Oscar Piastri.