Formula 1 is on the eve of the final sprint weekend of the year. Extra World Championship points are up for grabs in Qatar this weekend, which could play a decisive role in the thrilling title fight between Max Verstappen and the McLaren drivers. However, the reigning world champion has no plans to alter his successful approach: ‘We will still approach the weekend in the same way as always’.
Max Verstappen essentially won the Grand Prix in Las Vegas at the first turn. After a tussle with Lando Norris in the first few meters after the start, the Brit veered off the track. This allowed Verstappen to overtake the McLaren driver as they exited turn 1, and he subsequently never relinquished the lead in the race. The reigning world champion thus secured valuable points for the championship. Ahead of the Qatar GP, Verstappen is even level with Oscar Piastri – 366 points – partly thanks to the disqualification of both McLarens.
Yet, the Red Bull driver is not changing his approach for the race in Doha. “The championship points have come closer after Vegas, but as we head to Qatar, we will still approach the weekend in the same way we always have and just take one race at a time,” the world champion explains in the Red Bull preview. “We go into each weekend with the focus of scoring as many points as possible and getting the best possible performance out of the car, and that’s exactly what we’ll do for this race as well.”
Last Sprint Weekend
The Qatar GP is the final sprint weekend of the season, presenting not only an additional challenge but also an extra opportunity to earn valuable points. “It’s a sprint weekend, so there are even more points up for grabs here and we can only afford a perfect weekend,” concludes Verstappen. “Losail is a demanding circuit, tire management is crucial due to the heat, and we need to ensure we execute everything correctly with the mandatory two pit stops. We are focused on maintaining the positive momentum and the team is doing everything to deliver the best performance.”
Teammate Yuki Tsunoda is primarily hoping for a turnaround at the Lusail International Circuit, after another disappointing weekend in Las Vegas. The Japanese driver missed out on the points with a twelfth-place finish. “I’m going to Qatar knowing that with a bit of luck I can have a more successful weekend,” Tsunoda remains optimistic. “I believe that if everything falls into place, I have the pace and performance in the car to give the team the result we deserve. We will all have to work together to achieve that. Max is really back in the fight for his title and I will be there to support that fight wherever I can,” the Japanese driver also promises his teammate.
