What time is Qatar Grand Prix and where to watch F1 race as title battle intensifies
The three-way fight for the Formula One world championship continues in Qatar this weekend in the penultimate race of the season.
Last weekend’s blockbuster Las Vegas Grand Prix saw the title race blown wide open following the post-race disqualifications of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The incredible turn of events mean reigning champion Max Verstappen is back in the mix for the world title thanks to his win in Vegas.
But Norris remains the favourite to land his first title, for now, with a 24-point advantage over Piastri and Verstappen with two races left.
The McLaren driver can wrap up the title as early as this weekend, avoiding a final-race showdown in Abu Dhabi.
Norris will be crowned champion in Qatar if he ends the weekend with a lead of 26 points or more.
But he knows there is little room for error with his two title rivals breathing down his neck and ready to pounce on any slip-up.
What time does the Qatar Grand Prix start in the UK?
The Qatar Grand Prix will take place from the Lusail International Circuit on Friday, November 28 through to Sunday, November 30.
The race is scheduled to take place on Sunday with an expected start time of 4pm in the UK.
Qualifying will take place on Saturday, November 29, with the session due to start at 6pm UK time.
The entire race weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 with build up to the race starting at 2.30pm.
Fans can also catch highlights of the race on Channel 4 at 9pm on Sunday night.
talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will also be across all the latest build-up, news and reaction from Qatar.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Qatar Grand Prix: What has been said?
Norris, who finished second in Las Vegas, was later disqualified along with McLaren teammate Piastri following an investigation by the FIA.
It came after the skid blocks on the floor of their cars were found to have been worn down below the 9mm limit outlined in the rules.
McLaren were quick to issue a grovelling apology to their two title-chasing drivers while championship leader Norris was left disappointed that his efforts in Las Vegas counted for nothing.
“It’s frustrating to lose so many points,” Norris said. “As a team, we’re always pushing to find as much performance as we can and we clearly didn’t get that balance right today.
“Nothing I can do will change that now, instead full focus switches to Qatar, where we’ll aim to go out and deliver the best possible performance in every session.”
Meanwhile, Piastri said: “It’s disappointing to come away from this weekend with no points after an unfortunate disqualification due to skid wear.
“With how close the grid is, we’re always looking at where we can gain performance, and we didn’t get it right this time.
“We now need to reset, refocus and push to get the best points possible in the final two rounds, both tracks that we’ve been strong at previously.”
Qatar Grand Prix: Drivers’ standings
Standings ahead of Qatar Grand Prix
Lando Norris / McLaren / 390 points
Oscar Piastri / McLaren / 366 points
Max Verstappen / Red Bull / 366 points
George Russell / Mercedes / 294 points
Charles Leclerc / Ferrari / 226 points
Lewis Hamilton / Ferrari / 156 points
Kimi Antonelli / Mercedes / 137 points
Alexander Albon / Williams / 73 points
Isack Hadjar / Racing Bulls / 51 points
Nico Hulkenberg / Kick Sauber / 49 points
Carlos Sainz / Williams / 48 points
Oliver Bearman / Haas / 41 points
Fernando Alonso / Aston Martin / 40 points
Liam Lawson / Racing Bulls / 36 points
Esteban Ocon / Haas / 32 points
Lance Stroll / Aston Martin / 32 points
Yuki Tsunoda / Red Bull / 28 points
Pierre Gasly / Alpine / 22 points
Gabriel Bortoleto / Kick Sauber / 19 points
Franco Colapinto / Alpine / 0 points
Jack Doohan / Alpine / 0 points
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