Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand prix for the second time straight in two years after battling a long and hard race with Lando Norris and the stewards. The race was a roller coaster for many drivers as everyone suffered with pace in their Hard tyres which were chosen for the race.
The opening lap was brilliant for Max as he surpassed Pole leader George Russell on the first corner while three cars behind him Franco Colapinto, Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg tangled and collided bringing the Safety car. Many drivers found little to no grip around the corners in the desert circuit and it was really hard to race in these conditions. But McLaren driver Lando Norris was in another league as he had all pace against Max verstappen but the Safety car cost him his race as he served a 10-second penalty for overspeeding before the safety car period was over.
Down to the wire.
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 1, 2024
The battle for the Constructors' Championship will be decided in Abu Dhabi! #F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/OGEctkBo7M
His teammate Oscar Piastri managed to finish P3 on the podium, fighting Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc who finished P2. Now, the McLaren and Ferrari battle for the Constructors title will head to Abu dhabi in a few days, and Red Bull is officially out of the competition. Only Max Verstappen scoring for the team wasn't enough for them to win the constructors championship.
A race-defining moment for Lando Norris 👀
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 1, 2024
A stop/go penalty for failing to slow under yellow flags ended his chance of victory today ❌#F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/MieWsKU215
Russell had a time penalty but finished in fourth place ahead of Pierre Gasly who was very impressive despite his teammate crashing out of the race in the opening lap. Now the Alpines are in front of Haas at sixth place in the constructors. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz who was very confused with his tyre selection for the race finished sixth ahead of his fellow countryman Fernando Alonso who finished in seventh.
The most important part of the race was the Sauber team scoring their first-ever point of this season with Zhou Guanyu finishing Eighth and was also the driver of the day. The Chinese driver finished eighth and became the first man from his country to score points in Formula 1.
Kevin Magnussen was very aggressive in his driving which brought him some points in ninth place ahead of Lando Norris who served a 10-second penalty and finished in 10th. Valtteri Bottas was inch closer to scoring his first points of the season for Sauber but Norris spoiled his plans.
2024 Qatar GP results
Your top 10 from a thrilling Qatar Grand Prix 📈#F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/IjlTPtHQhp
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 1, 2024
Lewis Hamilton suffered most in the race as he had some balance issues in his car from the start, then was given a time penalty for overspeeding in the pitlane, and had a tyre puncture after running over the debris. But, the 7-time world champion showed some grit to continue the race even though he had the option to retire.
ALSO WATCH: Valtteri Bottas causing tyre puncture to Lewis Hamilton in the Qatar GP
Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson could not bring any points to their teams as they fought hard with some fast-moving rivals and finished 13th and 14th places. Alex Albon is the last driver to finish the race as Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio perez collided during the safety car restart. The race was full of stewards watching the drivers and giving penalties. The roller coaster race in the Losail circuit was over after many penalties and collisions.
Stroll had some mechanical issues and the Aston Martin driver decided to retire also having a time penalty. Colapinto and Ocon had a disastrous race and were out on the opening lap of the race because of Nico Hulkenberg’s wheel lockup. The Formula 1 constructors champion will be decided in the Abu dhabi Grand Prix between Ferrari and McLaren. Red Bull was out of the competition with Checo’s exotic end in the Qatar GP. Red Bull will have so much to decide after the Abu Dhabi race as the rivals are coming closer and closer.
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