The F1 Grand Prix in Qatar on December 1, 2024, saw Max Verstappen take the victory, with Charles Leclerc finishing second and Oscar Piastri securing third. The race was marked by Safety Cars, penalties, and intense competition among the top drivers. In post-race interviews, each driver shared insights on their performances and the challenges they faced.
Oscar Piastri reflected on the difficult nature of the race, noting how closely the top cars were matched in pace. “It was really, really tough to make the inroads to get into DRS and then far enough into DRS to overtake,” he said. Despite a strong battle, he was pleased with his podium finish but acknowledged that it wasn’t the result his team had hoped for. He also commented on the physical aspects of the race, noting how much more manageable it was compared to the previous year due to lower temperatures.
Charles Leclerc expressed happiness with his second-place finish, considering Ferrari’s car was not well-suited for the track. “I would have signed straight away if I had a paper that told me that we will finish second after a weekend like this,” he said. He also reflected on the punctures that affected his teammate Carlos Sainz, acknowledging the luck involved in his own result. Looking ahead, Leclerc anticipated a tight race for the Constructors’ Championship in Abu Dhabi, with Ferrari needing to push hard.
Max Verstappen, the race winner, was upbeat about his performance after a tough Sprint session. He explained that although the first stint was challenging, battling closely with Lando Norris, he enjoyed the competitive race. “It was a lot of fun out there,” Verstappen said. Despite a difficult second stint due to Safety Cars and tire temperature issues, Verstappen was satisfied with the team’s improvement and the car’s performance.
Reflecting on the weekend, Verstappen also noted that the performance swing was one of the largest he had experienced, from fighting Haas in the Sprint to winning the main race. He remained optimistic about Red Bull’s chances in the final race of the season, though he emphasized the importance of understanding their current car to prepare for the future.
In the press conference, Leclerc and Piastri both expressed satisfaction with their results but remained focused on the upcoming challenge in Abu Dhabi, where the final outcomes in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships will be decided. Each team has high stakes, and the competition remains intense.
