Max Verstappen secured his fourth Formula 1 World Championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but the battle for the constructors’ championship remains intense. With two races left, McLaren leads Ferrari by 19 points, setting up a thrilling finish to the season. Ferrari gained ground in Las Vegas due to McLaren’s underwhelming performance, leaving the final title undecided.
The drivers’ championship may be settled, but McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc are locked in a fight for second. Norris holds a 21-point advantage, with both having claimed three wins this season. The upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, the final sprint race of the year, offers opportunities for both teams to secure crucial points before the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Qatar brings unique challenges. The Lusail International Circuit, known for its high-speed straights and sweeping corners, tests drivers and cars under demanding conditions. This year’s race is scheduled for cooler evening temperatures, ranging from 18°C to 24°C, with 58% humidity. Qualifying is set for 9 p.m. local time, while the main race begins at 7 p.m.
The circuit has a short history in F1, debuting in 2021. It returned to the calendar in 2023 after a break for the FIFA World Cup. Max Verstappen set the lap record (1:24.319) and claimed both pole position and victory at Lusail last year. With only two editions so far, Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are tied for the most wins at this venue.
McLaren’s car setup appears well-suited for Lusail’s characteristics, making them favorites for a strong performance. However, Ferrari is expected to push hard as both teams vie for the constructors’ title. Meanwhile, Verstappen continues to dominate, stating he could have secured his championship earlier had he driven for McLaren or Ferrari.
The Qatar GP will be broadcast on ESPNEWS and ESPN+ in the U.S. and Sky Sports F1 in the U.K., with live analysis from ESPN’s F1 team. Racing action begins Friday with practice and sprint qualifying, followed by Saturday’s sprint race and Sunday’s grand prix at 4 p.m. GMT.
