2024 F1 Qatar GP: Top 5 bold predictions
The 2024 F1 Qatar GP will be the last sprint weekend of the season. The concept has divided opinion, with many, including the drivers, not being too happy with the format. That being said, the track layout of the Losail International Circuit lent itself to some interesting racing last season.
We had Oscar Piastri win a sprint -- a rarity to see a non-Red Bull driver win anything, but it also showed how good McLaren was around this track. As we come to the track, the season is done with the drivers' championship. Max Verstappen sealed the title in Las Vegas this past weekend.
With that being said, the constructors championship is still at stake. So what can we expect from the 2024 F1 Qatar GP? Let's take a look.
#5 Keep an eye on the RB duo
The last two races of the season are probably the last shot for both Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson to convince Red Bull that they could be a Sergio Perez replacement. The race in Las Vegas worked perfectly for Yuki, as the driver was in prime shape.
Heading into the F1 Qatar GP, the Japanese driver would be looking to build on this to show what he's capable of. At the same time, Lawson would try his best to remind Red Bull why he had replaced Daniel Ricciardo in the first place. Either way, keep an eye on these two, as they could potentially pull off something impressive in that RB.
#4 Alpine and Haas would battle for points
The midfield after the top four is very condensed so it will be a tough fight for points. Considering track characteristics and the demands we have seen in the past, the cars that are great in the long, fast-speed sections and have good tire life tend to do well around the F1 Qatar GP layout.
Both Haas and Alpine more or less fit the bill here and with the French team having some momentum behind it, we could see these two teams taking the initiative and challenging for points this weekend.
#3 Ferrari might be on the back foot this weekend
One of the weaknesses of the otherwise brilliant package that Ferrari has produced is the long fast-speed sections. That's one area where the Italian team falls short. With that being said, the car does tend to hold its own in hot conditions where tire life is at a premium.
Overall though, it does appear that the track layout is not the best for the Italian team's challenger and we could see Ferrari drop.
#2 Mercedes and Red Bull are potentially podium contenders
Many feel Mercedes' performance in Las Vegas was a one-off. As temperatures ramp up, the German team could struggle to make an impression at the F1 Qatar GP. However, the fast-speed track does favor a car like Mercedes, and we could see the team do well.
The same holds true for Red Bull, a car that might not be the most rounded but is quite clearly one of the best in the fast-speed sections. Drivers like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and George Russell could be in contention for the podium.
#1 Lando Norris wins the F1 Qatar GP
The track layout for the F1 Qatar GP is tailor-made for McLaren, a car that has been brilliant on the fast-speed sections. This is going to be a trait this weekend, and we've seen this car be competitive here last season.
The sprint weekend might be where Lando Norris stamps his authority and wins another race for McLaren this season.