Qatar Grand Prix Preview and Latest News – By Joe Murphy
Now that Red Bull are officially the Constructor’s Champions for a second successive year, attention turn towards to iminent crowning of Max Verstappen as a three-time champion of the World. The result has been without question probably since the Miami. It’s a question of when, not if, the Dutchman makes it three in a row.
In Japan last time out, he bested all others to get back to winning ways, after his Singapore hiatus away from the podium. Qatar is home of the next event, which features a sprint on Saturday. The championship could be sewn up by lights out shoudl Max score sufficient points as expected.
But what next for the race itself? What’s about the remainder of the season?
Well the competitive nature of these athletes means that Verstappen isn’t likely to let up any time soon. At the other end, Logan Sergeant is battling to save his F1 future as the only driver not confirmed for next season. Mick Schumacher and Liam Lawson are very much in contention unless the American can produce better results over the next few weeks. Even someone like
Sergio Perez will be desperate to impress with his future beyond 2024 certainly not guaranteed with Daniel Ricciardo waiting in the wings. Lastly, pressure is also mounting on Lance Stroll considering the vast gap between himself and teammate Fernando Alonso in terms of both points scored and race pace. There are a lot of contracts up in around twelve months time so expect the rumour mill to be buzzing for the considerable future. Fan favourites such as Checo, Fernando Alonso and even Max Verstappen, are never assured for very long.
Regarding teams, Mercedes and Ferrari will do battle for second place, McLaren and Aston behind them will fight for every world championship point and no team wants to finish in last place.
Just because both championship races should be settled in a matter of hours time, doesn’t meant there is nothing to play for.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 