The Qatar Grand prix is very confusing for the drivers as the drivers don't know which tyre is best for the track. The Losail International circuit is very tough for the drivers to manage their tyres. The Hard tyres which were chosen by the teams are not working for the drivers.
Some drivers who chose Hard Tyres went to pits during the VSC and have changed to the Mediums and soft tyres. But the biggest incident was between Hamilton and his Former teammate Valtteri Bottas who cost the 7-time world champion and former teammate a tyre puncture on the main straights.
Bottas cost Hamilton
Valtteri Bottas running over Alex Albon's wing mirror which caused tyre punctures for Sir Lewis Hamilton & Carlos Sainz. #f1 #formula1 #QatarGP #LewisHamilton #sportsinfoxtreme #GeorgeRussell #formulaone #CarlosSainz #Albon pic.twitter.com/iU0641d0T8
— SportsInfo Xtreme (@Sportsinfo22073) December 1, 2024
Bottas ran over the broken wing mirror of Alex Albon and broke it into many pieces. Lewis Hamilton ran over one of those pieces which caused a tyre to puncture him. He went to the pits and changed his tyres and also lost some positions.
ALSO WATCH: Franco Colapinto's Bizarre overtake of Checo in the Pitlane at Qatar GP
The race is already a roller coaster for Hamilton as he already served a 5-second penalty for overspeeding inside the Pit lane. He is currently running last in 15th as 5 drivers were already out of the race. The team gave him the option to retire but the Brit wanted to continue the race. Lando Norris was also given a 10-second time penalty for speeding during the VSC period behind Max Verstappen.
Also Read: McLaren vs Ferrari: F1's Legendary rivals face off again in 2024
The Qatar GP could be the worst ever race for many drivers as each of them had their own struggles. Perez was very well in the top 10 but after the restart, he spun by himself and also collided with Nico Hulkenberg and was out of the race.
It is Pure Bad luck for Checo as the Red Bull management has been frustrated with him the entire season. The constructor's title will not go to McLaren as Lando Norris lost his podium position due to the penalty that he served. The constructor's championship fight between Ferrari and McLaren will go to the Abu dhabi race.
Watch Scary collision between three drivers at the opening lap of Qatar GP.