Fernando Alonso: I'm very surprised to have made it to the final.
Fernando Alonso set the eighth-fastest time in qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix. The Aston Martin driver did not hide that making the final was a pleasant surprise for him. Qualifying was less successful for his teammate Lance Stroll — only 19th on the grid.
Fernando Alonso (8th): "I was very surprised that we made it to the final today, so I'm very happy with eighth. For qualifying we only had four sets of new Soft tyres left, so we decided to use them in the first and second sessions, and for the final we only had scrubbed tyres left.
Earlier I scored two points in the sprint, but I'm preparing for a tougher race because tyre degradation is quite high. Right now every point matters in the Constructors' Championship, so we'll give it our all."
Lance Stroll (19th): "A disappointing day with qualifying in nineteenth.
Fernando Alonso set the eighth-fastest time in qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix. The Aston Martin driver did not hide that making the final was a pleasant surprise for him. Qualifying was less successful for his teammate Lance Stroll — only 19th on the grid.
Fernando Alonso (8th): "I was very surprised that we made it to the final today, so I'm very happy with eighth. For qualifying we only had four sets of new Soft tyres left, so we decided to use them in the first and second sessions, and for the final we only had scrubbed tyres left.
Earlier I scored two points in the sprint, but I'm preparing for a tougher race because tyre degradation is quite high. Right now every point matters in the Constructors' Championship, so we'll give it our all."
Lance Stroll (19th): "A disappointing day with qualifying in nineteenth.
Both Sauber drivers were knocked out in the second part of qualifying; they hope for points in tomorrow's race…
Nico Hülkenberg (11th): "I'm satisfied with my laps and the results, although disappointed that only three thousandths separated me from the final. Nevertheless, we're on the cusp of the top ten, and we have an extra set of soft tyres for tomorrow's race. Saturday's sprint reminded me how difficult it is to overtake here, but we're competitive and will start alongside rivals we can fight."
Gabriel Bortoleto (14th): "The sprint went well for me. I had a decent start, gained two positions, the pace was reasonable — I'm quite happy. Qualifying was tougher: I overdid the attack, went off track, and that was enough to ruin my lap. The rest isn't too bad, although not perfect. Tomorrow I'll start 19th because of the penalty received in Las Vegas, but it's a long race — I'll use the experience from Saturday and try to make up ground."
Nico Hülkenberg (11th): "I'm satisfied with my laps and the results, although disappointed that only three thousandths separated me from the final. Nevertheless, we're on the cusp of the top ten, and we have an extra set of soft tyres for tomorrow's race. Saturday's sprint reminded me how difficult it is to overtake here, but we're competitive and will start alongside rivals we can fight."
Gabriel Bortoleto (14th): "The sprint went well for me. I had a decent start, gained two positions, the pace was reasonable — I'm quite happy. Qualifying was tougher: I overdid the attack, went off track, and that was enough to ruin my lap. The rest isn't too bad, although not perfect. Tomorrow I'll start 19th because of the penalty received in Las Vegas, but it's a long race — I'll use the experience from Saturday and try to make up ground."
Hadjar: In qualifying we got the maximum out of the car.
In Qatar, Ayzek Hadjar reached the qualifying final for the fourth consecutive time, where he posted the sixth-fastest time. The Racing Bulls driver hopes to score points on Sunday. His teammate Liam Lawson qualified twelfth.
Ayzek Hadjar (6th): “Saturday went pretty well, and I'm happy with our performance. In the sprint I had a fantastic first lap, and if I hadn't then lost position battling with Kimi and Carlos, I probably would have scored a point. Then in qualifying we got the maximum out of the car. I don't think we could have qualified any higher. Sixth is the best result for us. The car was easy to handle, and I reached its limit quite quickly, then just added a bit with each lap. In the race it's important to get a good start, although my position is on the dirty side of the grid.
In Qatar, Ayzek Hadjar reached the qualifying final for the fourth consecutive time, where he posted the sixth-fastest time. The Racing Bulls driver hopes to score points on Sunday. His teammate Liam Lawson qualified twelfth.
Ayzek Hadjar (6th): “Saturday went pretty well, and I'm happy with our performance. In the sprint I had a fantastic first lap, and if I hadn't then lost position battling with Kimi and Carlos, I probably would have scored a point. Then in qualifying we got the maximum out of the car. I don't think we could have qualified any higher. Sixth is the best result for us. The car was easy to handle, and I reached its limit quite quickly, then just added a bit with each lap. In the race it's important to get a good start, although my position is on the dirty side of the grid.
George Russell: I hope to fight for the podium
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posted the fourth and fifth fastest times in qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix. The situation in the Constructors’ Championship is such that Mercedes could already guarantee second place on Sunday. The team is determined to achieve that result.
George Russell (4th): "We can be happy with fourth on the grid, which opens up good opportunities to score the many points we need in our fight for second in the Constructors’ Championship.
Of course it’s frustrating that I was just a hundredth short of Max Verstappen’s third place, but the results are so tight right now. Both McLaren drivers are impressively quick, so third was the maximum we could reasonably expect. Overall the team did a good job, considering Kimi’s fifth. In the race we’ll try to secure second in the Constructors’ Championship.
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posted the fourth and fifth fastest times in qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix. The situation in the Constructors’ Championship is such that Mercedes could already guarantee second place on Sunday. The team is determined to achieve that result.
George Russell (4th): "We can be happy with fourth on the grid, which opens up good opportunities to score the many points we need in our fight for second in the Constructors’ Championship.
Of course it’s frustrating that I was just a hundredth short of Max Verstappen’s third place, but the results are so tight right now. Both McLaren drivers are impressively quick, so third was the maximum we could reasonably expect. Overall the team did a good job, considering Kimi’s fifth. In the race we’ll try to secure second in the Constructors’ Championship.
Pirelli: In the sprint some tyres were worn to 100%.
This weekend Pirelli limited the maximum stint length — for safety reasons no more than 25 laps may be completed on a single set of tyres — and those concerns were confirmed in Saturday's sprint…
Mario Isola, head of Pirelli's motorsport division: "The only difference in tyre choice for the Saturday sprint was that, depending on qualifying results, new or scuffed tyres could be used. Three drivers made a pit stop in the sprint to try the Soft tyres, likely to assess the possibility of using them in Sunday's Grand Prix.
As in last year, we saw some tyres worn to 100% due to graining, but without losing their performance. These cases, noted mainly on the front-left tyre, are the reason we reduced the maximum distance per set to 25 laps.
This weekend Pirelli limited the maximum stint length — for safety reasons no more than 25 laps may be completed on a single set of tyres — and those concerns were confirmed in Saturday's sprint…
Mario Isola, head of Pirelli's motorsport division: "The only difference in tyre choice for the Saturday sprint was that, depending on qualifying results, new or scuffed tyres could be used. Three drivers made a pit stop in the sprint to try the Soft tyres, likely to assess the possibility of using them in Sunday's Grand Prix.
As in last year, we saw some tyres worn to 100% due to graining, but without losing their performance. These cases, noted mainly on the front-left tyre, are the reason we reduced the maximum distance per set to 25 laps.
On Friday and Saturday in Qatar it was dry and sunny, but windy. The same weather is forecast for race day.
On Sunday the sun will set at 16:43, and the riders will head out for the warm-up lap at 19:00 local time, when the air will cool down to 23°C. No precipitation is expected, but the forecast calls for a gusty northeast wind.
On Sunday the sun will set at 16:43, and the riders will head out for the warm-up lap at 19:00 local time, when the air will cool down to 23°C. No precipitation is expected, but the forecast calls for a gusty northeast wind.
Marko pleased with Piastri's performance ahead of Norris in Qatar.
"When you realize Max is close by..."
Oscar Piastri has rejuvenated his dwindling title aspirations with a sprint win and pole position in Qatar, reducing Lando Norris’ championship advantage to 22 points ahead of Sunday’s grand prix. However, if Norris secures victory from P3, he will be crowned world champion. Otherwise, the contest will extend to Abu Dhabi next weekend. Max Verstappen repeatedly pretended to challenge Norris during the sprint, but the Brit maintained, "I didn’t see him." Dr. Helmut Marko is skeptical of this. "When you know Max is close, most drivers get anxious," remarked the Red Bull advisor. "It’s beneficial for us that Piastri is in front instead of Norris." McLaren CEO Zak Brown likened Verstappen to a horror film antagonist. "He’s among the best. We need to disregard him, but that’s easier said than done.
"When you realize Max is close by..."
Oscar Piastri has rejuvenated his dwindling title aspirations with a sprint win and pole position in Qatar, reducing Lando Norris’ championship advantage to 22 points ahead of Sunday’s grand prix. However, if Norris secures victory from P3, he will be crowned world champion. Otherwise, the contest will extend to Abu Dhabi next weekend. Max Verstappen repeatedly pretended to challenge Norris during the sprint, but the Brit maintained, "I didn’t see him." Dr. Helmut Marko is skeptical of this. "When you know Max is close, most drivers get anxious," remarked the Red Bull advisor. "It’s beneficial for us that Piastri is in front instead of Norris." McLaren CEO Zak Brown likened Verstappen to a horror film antagonist. "He’s among the best. We need to disregard him, but that’s easier said than done.
No Horner at Aston as Newey explains the restructuring.
"If Newey and Mike Krack have a good relationship..."
Lawrence Stroll has privately assured the Aston Martin staff that Christian Horner will not be joining the team in any management role, despite ongoing discussions regarding Adrian Newey’s unexpected promotion. According to Marca, Newey will serve as team principal for at least the initial races of 2026—events he was already slated to participate in due to the regulatory changes—before returning to the factory, where Mike Krack will take over leadership during race weekends. In addition, Cowell has been assigned to focus on merging Aston’s 2026 chassis with Honda’s new power unit, Aramco fuel, and Valvoline lubricants, a task that Newey considers essential under the new regulations.
Dr. Helmut Marko, who is quite familiar with Newey, remains doubtful.
"If Newey and Mike Krack have a good relationship..."
Lawrence Stroll has privately assured the Aston Martin staff that Christian Horner will not be joining the team in any management role, despite ongoing discussions regarding Adrian Newey’s unexpected promotion. According to Marca, Newey will serve as team principal for at least the initial races of 2026—events he was already slated to participate in due to the regulatory changes—before returning to the factory, where Mike Krack will take over leadership during race weekends. In addition, Cowell has been assigned to focus on merging Aston’s 2026 chassis with Honda’s new power unit, Aramco fuel, and Valvoline lubricants, a task that Newey considers essential under the new regulations.
Dr. Helmut Marko, who is quite familiar with Newey, remains doubtful.
Alonso claims that F1 regulations are causing races, such as the one in Qatar, to be uninteresting.
"You simply can’t keep up - the tyres become too hot."
Drivers anticipate that Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix will be a monotonous event following a sprint that highlighted the track's longstanding struggle to deliver thrilling racing. Fernando Alonso was straightforward, stating to DAZN that the sprint was more of a parade than a race. "It was just a procession of cars," he remarked. "In today’s F1, our tyre pressures are set by Pirelli, pitstops are dictated by the FIA, and even weight distribution is controlled by the FIA. We have an abundance of everything except those elements that create excitement," the 44-year-old veteran noted.
Lando Norris, who could secure the championship on Sunday with a win from third position, anticipates a similar outcome.
"You simply can’t keep up - the tyres become too hot."
Drivers anticipate that Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix will be a monotonous event following a sprint that highlighted the track's longstanding struggle to deliver thrilling racing. Fernando Alonso was straightforward, stating to DAZN that the sprint was more of a parade than a race. "It was just a procession of cars," he remarked. "In today’s F1, our tyre pressures are set by Pirelli, pitstops are dictated by the FIA, and even weight distribution is controlled by the FIA. We have an abundance of everything except those elements that create excitement," the 44-year-old veteran noted.
Lando Norris, who could secure the championship on Sunday with a win from third position, anticipates a similar outcome.
A twist involving Tsunoda and Honda has surfaced in Red Bull's plans for 2026.
Red Bull is set to conclude months of speculation next week, as confirmed by Dr. Helmut Marko, but last-minute rumors in the paddock indicate that the anticipated 2026 lineup may differ from what many expected. It has been widely assumed that Isack Hadjar would advance from Racing Bulls to team up with Max Verstappen, while Tsunoda and Lawson would compete for one seat, with Arvid Lindblad likely making his debut with the junior team. However, Dutch commentator Olav Mol suggests that the internal situation might be changing once more.
Tsunoda achieved what could be seen as his best qualifying effort for Red Bull in Qatar, prompting Mol to speculate whether that was a result of newfound clarity behind the scenes.
Red Bull is set to conclude months of speculation next week, as confirmed by Dr. Helmut Marko, but last-minute rumors in the paddock indicate that the anticipated 2026 lineup may differ from what many expected. It has been widely assumed that Isack Hadjar would advance from Racing Bulls to team up with Max Verstappen, while Tsunoda and Lawson would compete for one seat, with Arvid Lindblad likely making his debut with the junior team. However, Dutch commentator Olav Mol suggests that the internal situation might be changing once more.
Tsunoda achieved what could be seen as his best qualifying effort for Red Bull in Qatar, prompting Mol to speculate whether that was a result of newfound clarity behind the scenes.
"Yes, it’s something to take seriously."
Dr. Helmut Marko stated that Max Verstappen's warning about potentially quitting Formula 1 if the 2026 regulations are not enjoyable should not be regarded as mere exaggeration. When Sky Deutschland inquired about Verstappen's remarks about possibly "leaving the sport tomorrow," Marko, who has been with Red Bull for a long time, initially made a lighthearted comment in Qatar: "It would be a rather early retirement for him." However, the 82-year-old quickly became serious. "Yes, it’s something to take seriously," remarked the Austrian. "He is someone who needs to feel good and enjoy himself. Max has already accomplished so much and does not aspire to match Schumacher’s and Hamilton’s records. I wouldn’t be surprised if he were to say, 'Thank you, that’s it.'" Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, though his contract includes various exit clauses.
Dr. Helmut Marko stated that Max Verstappen's warning about potentially quitting Formula 1 if the 2026 regulations are not enjoyable should not be regarded as mere exaggeration. When Sky Deutschland inquired about Verstappen's remarks about possibly "leaving the sport tomorrow," Marko, who has been with Red Bull for a long time, initially made a lighthearted comment in Qatar: "It would be a rather early retirement for him." However, the 82-year-old quickly became serious. "Yes, it’s something to take seriously," remarked the Austrian. "He is someone who needs to feel good and enjoy himself. Max has already accomplished so much and does not aspire to match Schumacher’s and Hamilton’s records. I wouldn’t be surprised if he were to say, 'Thank you, that’s it.'" Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, though his contract includes various exit clauses.
1. Oscar Piastri
McLaren
1:19.387
2. Lando Norris
McLaren
1:19.495
+ 0.108
3. Max Verstappen
Red Bull
1:19.651
+ 0.264
4. George Russell
Mercedes
1:19.662
+ 0.275
5. Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
1:19.846
+ 0.459
6. Isack Hadjar
Racing Bulls
1:20.114
+ 0.727
7. Carlos Sainz
Williams
1:20.287
+ 0.900
8. Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
1:20.418
+ 1.031
9. Pierre Gasly
Alpine
1:20.477
+ 1.090
10. Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
1:20.561
+ 1.174
11. Nico Hulkenberg
Sauber
1:20.353
12. Liam Lawson
Racing Bulls
1:20.433
13. Oliver Bearman
Haas
1:20.438
14. Alex Albon
Williams
1:20.629
15. Yuki Tsunoda
Red Bull
1:20.761
16. Esteban Ocon
Haas
1:20.864
17. Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
1:20.907
18. Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
1:21.058
19. Gabriel Bortoleto
Sauber
1:20.534
penalized with a 5-place grid drop
for an incident at the Las Vegas GP
Start from the pit lane
Franco Colapinto
Alpine
1:21.137
penalized for violating parc fermé rules
McLaren
1:19.387
2. Lando Norris
McLaren
1:19.495
+ 0.108
3. Max Verstappen
Red Bull
1:19.651
+ 0.264
4. George Russell
Mercedes
1:19.662
+ 0.275
5. Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
1:19.846
+ 0.459
6. Isack Hadjar
Racing Bulls
1:20.114
+ 0.727
7. Carlos Sainz
Williams
1:20.287
+ 0.900
8. Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
1:20.418
+ 1.031
9. Pierre Gasly
Alpine
1:20.477
+ 1.090
10. Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
1:20.561
+ 1.174
11. Nico Hulkenberg
Sauber
1:20.353
12. Liam Lawson
Racing Bulls
1:20.433
13. Oliver Bearman
Haas
1:20.438
14. Alex Albon
Williams
1:20.629
15. Yuki Tsunoda
Red Bull
1:20.761
16. Esteban Ocon
Haas
1:20.864
17. Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
1:20.907
18. Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
1:21.058
19. Gabriel Bortoleto
Sauber
1:20.534
penalized with a 5-place grid drop
for an incident at the Las Vegas GP
Start from the pit lane
Franco Colapinto
Alpine
1:21.137
penalized for violating parc fermé rules
Max Verstappen will start third in Qatar, and if the top three finish in the same order, he will lose his chances at the title. Before the start, Max was asked if he had a plan?
Max Verstappen: "I'll do everything I can! I'll attack at the start, in the first corner. If I don't overtake Lando, he'll score more points. In the sprint I also tried to attack, but after a few laps a phase begins when the tyres wear out, and it becomes difficult to maintain a high pace.
Overtaking in the sprint was impossible – the tyres were overheating. Besides, with all these high-speed corners and the high grip, getting into attacking range is very difficult. In the race the cars will have a lot more fuel in the tanks. We'll see. The start, of course, is important, but you never know how it will all play out. Other cars can also affect the result.
In the sprint I had to cut the corner to have a chance to get past the McLaren, so it will be tough, but the race is long, anything can happen."
Max Verstappen: "I'll do everything I can! I'll attack at the start, in the first corner. If I don't overtake Lando, he'll score more points. In the sprint I also tried to attack, but after a few laps a phase begins when the tyres wear out, and it becomes difficult to maintain a high pace.
Overtaking in the sprint was impossible – the tyres were overheating. Besides, with all these high-speed corners and the high grip, getting into attacking range is very difficult. In the race the cars will have a lot more fuel in the tanks. We'll see. The start, of course, is important, but you never know how it will all play out. Other cars can also affect the result.
In the sprint I had to cut the corner to have a chance to get past the McLaren, so it will be tough, but the race is long, anything can happen."
In Qatar, Max Verstappen said that if he doesn't like the racing under the 2026 regulations, he will walk away. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes those words should be taken seriously.
Helmut Marko: "That would be too early a retirement for him, but the statement should be taken seriously.
For Max it's important to feel good and enjoy himself. He has already achieved a lot. Max is not the sort of person who wants to repeat Schumacher's and Hamilton's records.
I wouldn't be surprised if one day he comes and says, 'Thanks, that's it.' "
Helmut Marko: "That would be too early a retirement for him, but the statement should be taken seriously.
For Max it's important to feel good and enjoy himself. He has already achieved a lot. Max is not the sort of person who wants to repeat Schumacher's and Hamilton's records.
I wouldn't be surprised if one day he comes and says, 'Thanks, that's it.' "
McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown is looking forward to a spectacular start in today's race...
Zak Brown: "The stakes are very high. We know Max will try to grab the lead into the first corner, so don't miss the start of today's race.
Our goal is to secure the championship for McLaren, so if we can finish in the same positions we start from and then have our two drivers fight it out for the title in Abu Dhabi, that's our aim. And if they want to swap places, that's up to them — I don't mind.
It's the usual story, they know the rules. We enjoy watching them compete with each other; they fight hard but fair. We'll see how it all plays out."
Zak Brown: "The stakes are very high. We know Max will try to grab the lead into the first corner, so don't miss the start of today's race.
Our goal is to secure the championship for McLaren, so if we can finish in the same positions we start from and then have our two drivers fight it out for the title in Abu Dhabi, that's our aim. And if they want to swap places, that's up to them — I don't mind.
It's the usual story, they know the rules. We enjoy watching them compete with each other; they fight hard but fair. We'll see how it all plays out."
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The format of interaction with the public before the start of the Qatar Grand Prix was brief, but Carlos Sainz still managed to talk about his plans…
Carlos Sainz: "I'm glad I qualified seventh. If someone had told me before the weekend that we'd be in the top seven or eight, I would have taken it.
The weekend is going well. Now it's important to get a good start and choose the optimal strategy for the race. I'll try to score a lot of points for the team."
Carlos Sainz: "I'm glad I qualified seventh. If someone had told me before the weekend that we'd be in the top seven or eight, I would have taken it.
The weekend is going well. Now it's important to get a good start and choose the optimal strategy for the race. I'll try to score a lot of points for the team."
© Editorial office of F1News.Ru 1997–2025. Media registration certificate El No. FS77-29173. Registered with the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media.
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Feedback
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The information resource (website) uses recommendation technologies (information technologies for providing information based on the collection, systematization and analysis of data related to the preferences of Internet users located within the territory of the Russian Federation).
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