Results & Report 2024 Qatar Formula 1 Sprint
Event: Qatar F1 Grand Prix
Track: Losail International Circuit
Weather: dry 21.1°C
Tarmac: dry 25.4°C
Humidity : 53.0%
Wind: 9.7 km/h South
McLaren’s Masterclass: Piastri Repays Norris’ Favor
Lando Norris started from pole and maintained his lead for most of the race. However, in a move reminiscent of Brazil’s Sprint Race, Norris handed the win to Piastri on the final lap. This strategic swap repaid Piastri for a similar gesture in São Paulo, showcasing the camaraderie between the McLaren drivers.
Piastri, who defended fiercely against George Russell throughout the race, credited the teamwork that kept him ahead:
“It was about defense for the whole race. Some great teamwork, without which it would have been a difficult Sprint.”
Norris reflected on the decision:
“We scored a 1-2, that’s what we were aiming for as a team. I planned to return the favor to Oscar since Brazil, and while it was a bit close for comfort, it worked out.”
George Russell’s Frustration and Mercedes’ Promise
George Russell fought valiantly to challenge the McLaren duo but expressed frustration with Norris’ tactics, particularly the use of DRS to shield Piastri. Despite this, Russell acknowledged the stronger race pace Mercedes exhibited, signaling their competitiveness for Sunday’s main event.
Constructors’ Championship Intensifies
McLaren’s dominance extended their lead over Ferrari to 30 points in the Constructors’ Championship. With only one race remaining after Qatar, the papaya squad is closing in on securing second place, provided they maintain their momentum in Sunday’s Grand Prix. Further back, Haas edged ahead of Alpine by three points, thanks to Nico Hülkenberg's impressive defensive drive to hold off Max Verstappen for seventh place.
Ferrari’s Mixed Fortunes
Ferrari’s performance was a tale of two halves. Carlos Sainz stayed within striking distance of the podium but couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities presented, finishing fourth. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc showed flashes of pace, overtaking Lewis Hamilton late in the race to secure fifth place, but he struggled earlier in the stint.
Verstappen Falters, Hülkenberg Shines
Max Verstappen, who started sixth, struggled for grip and finished eighth behind Hülkenberg. This lackluster performance from the newly crowned world champion contrasts sharply with his usual dominance, raising questions about Red Bull’s setup on the dusty Lusail circuit.
Key Moments of the Race
- Formation Lap Drama: Zhou Guanyu gambled on soft tyres, but the strategy backfired as he rapidly fell through the field, eventually pitting for mediums.
- Hamilton vs. Leclerc: In a spirited duel, Leclerc overtook Hamilton for fifth, showcasing Ferrari’s stronger tyre management.
- Final Lap Thriller: Russell made a last-ditch lunge for second, but Piastri held firm, aided by Norris’ strategic DRS boost.
Classification 2024 Qatar Sprint
| P | No | Driver | Team | Time | Laps | Points |
| 1 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 27:03.010 | 19 | 8 |
| 2 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | +0.136s | 19 | 7 |
| 3 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | +0.410s | 19 | 6 |
| 4 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | +1.326s | 19 | 5 |
| 5 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +5.073s | 19 | 4 |
| 6 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | +5.650s | 19 | 3 |
| 7 | 27 | Nico Hülkenberg | Haas | +8.508s | 19 | 2 |
| 8 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +10.368s | 19 | 1 |
| 9 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | +14.513s | 19 | 0 |
| 10 | 20 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas | +15.485s | 19 | 0 |
| 11 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | +19.204s | 19 | 0 |
| 12 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Sauber | +23.351s | 19 | 0 |
| 13 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | +24.421s | 19 | 0 |
| 14 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine | +30.379s | 19 | 0 |
| 15 | 23 | Alex Albon | Williams | +33.062s | 19 | 0 |
| 16 | 30 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | +34.356s | 19 | 0 |
| 17 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | Racing Bulls | +35.102s | 19 | 0 |
| 18 | 43 | Franco Colapinto | Williams | +35.639s | 19 | 0 |
| 19 | 24 | Zhou Guanyu | Sauber | +71.436s | 19 | 0 |
| 20 | 11 | Sergio Pérez | Red Bull | +74.371s | 19 | 0 |
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A straightforward apart from lap 1, with barely any overtaking or even attempts.
Even though the intention for letting Piastri win was ultimately clear, the move away from the racing line & deceleration after the final corner came as a total surprise.
Checo can't even react to the green light anymore or beat Zhou despite rejoining right behind him, although for his defense, Max couldn't catch Hulkenberg.
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