Qatar Grand Prix Review

Not as lucky as last week on the predictions, but you won’t catch me complaining about a McLaren double podium!

I’m going to be testing out a slightly different format this week, so be sure to reply with your thoughts!

Anyways… An entertaining Grand Prix weekend at a track that we are going to see for at least the next nine years. Here’s to hoping the FIA can come up with some solutions to the many issues experienced this weekend! Let’s get into the race review.

Race Review: Qatar Grand Prix

We all knew it was going to be an interesting race when the FIA came out with the mandatory 18-lap maximum for any tyre on Sunday. The threat of potential traffic in the pit lane paired with the power hungry stewards and their track limits was a recipe for disaster that somehow created an entertaining race. Nonetheless, drivers and fans alike will be hoping for some changes at Lusail next year.

Let’s review the main highlights:

1. The two Mercedes collide at the start

Everyone was anticipating a big clash early in the race, but I was certainly not expecting this. A clash between the scrappy Russell and an aggressive Alonso trying to fight off McLaren’s run for fourth in the Constructors’? That could have been expected. A veteran, Sir Lewis, giving his teammate absolutely zero space in the first turn? Absolutely not.

I’ve seen a few people trying to pin this on George saying things like, “Mercedes had to have talked about letting Lewis by on the faster tyre…” Yeah, yeah, yeah… try to defend him all you want, but this one is purely on Lewis. He even admitted it himself. Absolutely gutted for Mercedes and Lewis, but thank goodness George was able to recover.

2. Russell passes Perez with ease on lap 5

Okay… I understand that Perez was on the hard tyre, but there is no ‘going long’ in this race. Red Bull may have had some tough decisions with the remaining tyres for Checo, resulting in starting on a fresh set of hard tyres being the best option. Regardless, a Red Bull should not be made to look like a tractor compared to a Mercedes based on the performances Verstappen has been logging.

It’s clear that Checo is struggling in the latter half of the season, but I just keep thinking he is going to turn it around. Hats off to George for recovering so well and getting after the competition right after the big collision.

3. Nico Hulkenberg 10-second time penalty

As you likely saw all over social media and the news, Carlos Sainz unfortunately did not start the race due to a fuel system failure in his SF-23. Nico must have missed this, as he started in the grid position that was empty due to Sainz’ absence. Not a shocker that this resulted in a 10-second time penalty, which was the first of many given during the race.

4. Alex Albon lead a lap in a Grand Prix

Yes, you that read right. (but you probably read that last sentence wrong… gotcha!). Due to the maximum-lap-per-tyre rule for this race, Alex Albon lead a lap in the Williams, and it was a beautiful sight. I sure hope Williams can figure something out in the coming years to give Albon the great car he deserves.

5. Track limits for everyone

The FIA were on a power trip this weekend with their absurd track limits penalties. It was a repeat of Austria, much to the annoyance of all drivers and teams.

Dare I say that we could have had a bit more competition for the win if the FIA didn’t take away Lando’s qualifying lap?

6. McLaren get the fastest pit stop since the change of tyres in 2022

A sweet 1.8 second stop for Lando Norris is the fastest since the regulation change. Kudos to the pit crew for being so speedy - a clear advantage in a grand prix with so many stops.

7. Alfa Romeo looked… good?

I’ll be the first to say it - I was wrong about the Alfa’s this week. Bottas and Zhou looked solid all night in an incredibly tough race. Both drivers secured solid points for the team through sheer grit and determination. Proud of those fellas getting the most out of those cars and delivering some entertaining racing.

8. Sargeant retires in lap 41

The conditions proved too tough for Logan Sargeant on Sunday as the American driver opted to retire early after not feeling well. I’m sure many people will have little sympathy for this decision, but I think it was the right choice.

Sargeant was struggling to get out of the car after being pulled into his garage. The guy could hardly stand. Imagine if he would have forced himself to stay out and passed out mid race. Things could have been a lot more dangerous than they already were.

This clearly does not help Sargeant in his quest to retain his seat at Williams, but let’s hope for a bounce back at his home GP in Austin.

9. McLaren double podium… again!

The Papaya are absolutely on it! Mercedes and Ferrari can hardly touch either driver in the McLaren. Red Bull is getting ever closer, as Max finished under five seconds ahead of Piastri. Things could get pretty interesting if this trend continues down the line.

Obviously both championships have been claimed by Red Bull already, but we could be in for some fun racing! One thing that is great about Max is that the guy is a straight up competitor. He hates to lose. Just because he has secured his third world championship, that does not mean he is ready to concede a race to the charging McLarens.

10. The best of the rest: Alpine, Alpha Tauri, Haas

Alpine held strong in the race, but Gasly was ultimately hurt by overtaking off the track and having to give places back late in the race. Ocon ended up in P7. Regardless, Alpine looked quick this weekend. Fans of the French team should be happy with this performance and looking forward to Austin with hope.

Alpha Tauri did not have a horrible race, but could not hang on for all 57 laps. Liam Lawson was unfortunately last of the cars that finished to see the checkered flag, and Yuki was not too far ahead in P15. Things went as expected for AT.

Haas had some moments this weekend, most notably in the sprint race that was ruined early for Hulkenberg. Despite the pace shown on Saturday, the track proved to be too much for a car that has struggled with tyre degradation all season. I’m not sure about you, but I am very excited to see how these upgrades translate to performance in Austin.

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