Will it be McLaren’s first constructors’ title since 1998, or Max Verstappen’s first victory as a four-time world champion? One of the two, or even both scenarios, could unfold in Qatar on Sunday afternoon. So, what should you be watching out for in the race?
Verstappen’s Miracle
Let’s start with Verstappen’s race. On Friday and Saturday, the performance of the RB20 on the track seemed lackluster. The Dutchman referred to his car as a rally car and said during the qualification that he did not expect any “miracles”. However, a few hours later, after securing a surprising pole position, he declared, “a miracle has indeed happened”. Losing the pole position due to a penalty will likely not bother him much, as the ultimate prize, the world title, is already in his grasp. However, Verstappen is a winner, always eager, and this will only motivate him to pull off another stunt: winning the Grand Prix.
Celebration at McLaren
For that, he will have to contend not only with the new polesitter George Russell (Mercedes), but especially with the McLarens, who have shown good race pace. Lando Norris, in particular, poses a threat, having demonstrated speed in his car during the sprint race. His decision to let teammate Oscar Piastri take the win in the last corner was a risky but sympathetic move. McLaren is keen to score another one-two finish. If they do, they will be the constructors’ champions, and the McLaren celebration can begin.
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Here’s the situation: the team from Woking, England, already scored six points more than their closest rival, Ferrari, in the sprint race on Saturday. If McLaren then scores at least fifteen more points than the Italians on Sunday, the constructors’ title is theirs. This can happen in many ways, of course. But a one-two finish would mean at least 43 points, with Ferrari taking at most third and fourth places for 27 points.
However, it’s not impossible that someone like Max Verstappen or Russell could win the race. Even then, McLaren could still clinch the title. It would then depend on the positions in which Norris and Piastri finish, as well as, of course, Leclerc and Sainz. The calculator can be brought out. And McLaren could then, for the first time since 1998 (!), call themselves the best constructor in the field.
Other Battles
Battles like these are not the only ones that make the Qatar GP interesting. What can Sergio Pérez do from P10 in his fight to convince someone of a possible longer stay at Red Bull? How is the battle for P6 among the constructors between Haas, Alpine, and VCARB going? Is it important? Absolutely, because it makes a difference of millions and millions in revenue, whether you finish one place higher or lower in the standings.
And Furthermore…
…the race in Qatar consists of 57 laps
…a lap is 5419 meters long
…it’s likely to be a one-stop race
…according to Pirelli, a two-stop strategy is also a good tactical option
…Lewis Hamilton (6th) starts outside the top-5 for the fifth time in a row
…Sauber sees a chance for the first point with Zhou (12th) and Bottas (13th)
