P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The starting grid is set to be reduced to 16 cars for the Qatar sprint race.
Four F1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, are starting the Qatar sprint race from the pit lane due to changes to their cars breaching parc fermé conditions.
In addition to Hamilton, Stroll, Gasly, and Colpainto will also begin the race from the pit lane.
Suspension setups were altered on all four cars, with Ferrari additionally modifying Hamilton’s rear wing assembly.
Stroll’s car saw more extensive changes, including steering rack adjustments and engine energy management calibration modifications.
All four drivers were already slated to start towards the back of the grid after SQ1 exits on Friday.
The starting grid has been shortened to 16 cars, with Esteban Ocon and Liam Lawson positioned at the back row.
