Hot Topic

Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, I must congratulate Max Verstappen on winning his fourth Formula 1 World Championship title, a really fantastic achievement during a season when his Red Bull was not the quickest car. The victories he scored in the early part of the season gave him a strong lead, of course, but it is incredible to realise that he did not win a race for four months—from Barcelona until Sao Paulo.

In some ways, this has been Max’s best championship because he often had to accept he could not win the race, but he did what was needed to protect his lead, finish on the podium, or at least score enough points to prevent his rivals from closing on him. Winning races is one thing; putting together a World Championship requires a different mindset as you learn the importance of consistency, knowing when to back off, save the car, and maximise the points.

I also think it’s been impressive to see Max mature into such a strong team leader. He helped Red Bull Racing win the Drivers’ title in a season when the car’s performance was inconsistent, the team had some tensions, and his teammate Checo Perez struggled to support him on track. He has really developed into the most complete driver.
At the beginning of the season, I don’t think Lando Norris considered that he would be Max’s biggest rival, but the McLaren driver has driven very well and should not be too disappointed to lose out on this year’s title. He has plenty of time on his side,e and I think he and the team have learned a lot this year.

Suppose McLaren can keep the car’s development moving in the right direction into 2025. In that case, Max will not find next year’s World Championship as easy to dominate in the first half of the season, and I expect Lando and teammate Oscar Piastri to be right there from Melbourne onwards.

Take Note

Qatar is hot, and last year, the drivers found it very tough. This year’s race is a bit later in the calendar, but one thing is for sure: It will not be cold like the Las Vegas night race! This is also a Sprint Race weekend, so the teams have little time to prepare ahead of Saturday’s and Sunday’s Grand Prix. The pressure is on.
The cold conditions last weekend were one reason Mercedes surprised both their competition and themselves by being so competitive. Small differences in how a car operates on its Pirelli tyres have a very big impact on performance.

Qatar’s Losail Circuit is an all-high-speed track with fast, flowing corners and no heavy braking points. Although Mercedes is confident this circuit will suit their car’s character, and Lewis Hamilton won here in 2021, I believe McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull will all be pushing for the win.

Although the World Championship for Drivers is settled, there is still a big fight going on in the World Championship for Constructors. Remember, this is the championship that determines each team’s share of the sport’s billion-dollar prize fund. McLaren leads Ferrari by only 24 points. They should be able to protect their lead, but they cannot afford any major problems or to not finish.

Meanwhile, the fight for 6th place in the championship is incredibly tight. Three teams—Haas, Alpine, and RB—are separated by only 4 points, a USD$20-30m difference in prize money!

Mika’s Tip

As World Champion, Max can now relax, fight hard, take risks and go for victory if his car is quick enough. He won here last year. But the big fight will be between the McLarens and Ferraris. After a disappointing Las Vegas, expect Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc to push flat out for the win, with Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz in the frame as these teams fight to maximise points.