Qatar Grand Prix: All Eyes on the Constructors’ Championship as Ferrari Closes the Gap
It’s been a whirlwind of a Formula 1 season, and while Max Verstappen has already secured his fourth world title, the drama is far from over. The Las Vegas Grand Prix may have crowned Verstappen, but the constructors’ championship is still up for grabs, and the battle is heating up between McLaren and Ferrari. With just two races left, the stakes couldn’t be higher as the F1 circus heads to the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
McLaren’s struggles in Las Vegas opened the door for Ferrari to close the gap in the standings. Now, with only 19 points separating the two teams, the fight for the constructors’ title is set to go down to the wire. Both teams have five wins apiece this season, but it’s consistency that will determine who takes home the coveted trophy.
From the Desert to Doha: A Grueling Transition
The Qatar Grand Prix presents a unique challenge for drivers and teams alike. Coming off a night race in the chilly Nevada desert, the F1 paddock now faces the warm and humid conditions of Doha. The time zone shift and the physical demands of the Lusail circuit make this race one of the toughest on the calendar.
To accommodate the heat, the Qatar Grand Prix has been scheduled slightly later in the year than usual. The weather forecast predicts highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C, with humidity hovering around 58%. While these conditions are more manageable than the scorching summer heat, they still add an extra layer of difficulty for drivers and their machines.
The Championship Picture
Here’s how things stand heading into Qatar:
- Constructors’ Championship: McLaren leads Ferrari by 19 points.
- Drivers’ Standings: Max Verstappen has already clinched the title, but McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc are battling for second place. Norris holds a 21-point advantage over Leclerc, with both drivers having three wins this season.
The Qatar Grand Prix also marks the final sprint race of the year, offering valuable points on both Saturday and Sunday. With the season finale in Abu Dhabi just around the corner, every point counts.
What to Watch For
McLaren’s car seems well-suited to the high-speed Lusail circuit, which features long straights and sweeping corners. Last year, the team secured a double podium in Qatar, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finishing second and third, respectively. Can they replicate that success and fend off Ferrari’s charge?
Meanwhile, Mercedes will be looking to bounce back after a disastrous outing in Qatar last year, where Lewis Hamilton and George Russell collided on the first lap. With the constructors’ championship out of reach, the Silver Arrows will be racing for pride and momentum heading into 2025.
Qatar Grand Prix: Circuit Stats and History
The Lusail International Circuit joined the F1 calendar in 2021 on a 10-year contract. After skipping 2022 to focus on the FIFA World Cup, the race returned in 2023 and has quickly become a fan favorite. Here are some key stats:
- Laps: 57 laps of 5.4km, totaling 308km.
- Lap Record: 1:24.319, set by Max Verstappen in 2023.
- Most Wins: Verstappen (2023) and Lewis Hamilton (2021) each have one victory here.
- Most Poles: Verstappen and Hamilton also share the record for pole positions at Lusail.
The circuit’s combination of high-speed corners and long straights makes it a true test of driver skill and car performance. Add in the heat and humidity, and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable race.
Latest Headlines in F1
As the season winds down, the F1 world is buzzing with news:
- Cadillac and General Motors will join the F1 grid in 2026. How did it happen?
- Red Bull’s leadership will meet after the season to discuss Sergio Pérez’s future. What’s next for Pérez?
- Max Verstappen believes he could have won his fourth title even earlier if he raced for McLaren or Ferrari. Read more here.
How to Watch the Qatar Grand Prix
Don’t miss a second of the action! Here’s how you can tune in:
- U.S.: Watch on ESPNEWS and ESPN+.
- U.K.: Live coverage on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
For live updates, analysis, and behind-the-scenes coverage, follow ESPN’s F1 team on social media and stay connected with Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson reporting from Qatar.
Mark your calendars for these key sessions:
- Friday: Free practice one (13:30-14:30 GMT), Sprint qualifying (17:30-18:14 GMT).
With so much on the line, the Qatar Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling chapter in this unforgettable F1 season. Will McLaren hold off Ferrari? Can Norris secure second place in the drivers’ standings? All will be revealed under the lights in Lusail.
Originally Written by: Nate Saunders
