Results & Report 2023 Qatar Formula 1 Sprint
Event: Qatar F1 Grand Prix
Track: Losail International Circuit
2023 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen, Jos Verstappen and Raymond Vermeulen pose for a photo after the Sprint ahead of 2023 F1 Grand Prix of Qatar
Weather: dry 28.0°C
Tarmac: dry 38.4°C
Humidity : 52.7%
Wind: 0.1 m/s SE
Pressure: 1010.3 bar
2023 Qatar F1 Grand Prix Sprint Race Report
At the floodlit Lusail International Circuit, a 19-lap showdown just unraveled during the fourth F1 Sprint of the 2023 season. Here's a look at what unfolded:
Race to the Championship
The evening’s events held particular significance as Max Verstappen had the chance to secure his third consecutive drivers' championship. Starting from P3, Verstappen only needed to accumulate three points. The Red Bull star seemed relaxed and eager for the race, hinting at prioritizing a race against the McLarens rather than focusing merely on the points. His team principal, Christian Horner, seconded this sentiment, indicating the champion's intent to race aggressively.
McLaren's Upfront Drama
Yesterday's qualifying session left many frustrated due to track limits. Oscar Piastri, however, overcame those issues and secured a remarkable P1 starting slot. A slightly conservative lap from the Australian McLaren driver ensured no penalties. Lando Norris, despite his potential, will begin from P2 due to an error on his flying run. Verstappen's story was also tinged with qualifying drama, which saw him settling for P3.
The Field's Struggles
The tricky conditions of gusty winds caused issues for numerous drivers, including Lewis Hamilton. Both Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz did make the top 10, though Leclerc’s runs were dotted with wide turns. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll faced his fourth consecutive Q1 exit, highlighting team disparities.
Oscar Piastri, starting on pole, expressed excitement, emphasizing the challenge of the Sprint format, where track overtakes become crucial due to the absence of mandatory pit stops.
Tyre Drama
The single practice session of the Sprint weekend left teams in the dark about long-run tyre data. A surprising development saw Pirelli noticing alarming trends with their tyres. This led the FIA to modify track limits to prevent excessive curb riding.
The Sprint Unfolds
Medium tyres were the primary choice for the race, with Russell, Sainz, Leclerc, Alonso, Ocon, Gasly, Stroll, and Sargeant opting for soft C3 rubber.
The action began immediately. Piastri held his ground at the front during the opening lap, but a challenging Turn 1 saw Norris, Verstappen, Leclerc, and Russell fighting for positions. By the end of the first lap, Piastri led, followed by Russell and Sainz.
However, in an impressive move, George Russell overtook Piastri on Lap 3. Subsequent laps saw two Safety Car deployments, which favored drivers on soft tyres.
Crowning the Champion
Max Verstappen expressed his elation on securing the championship, commending his team's impeccable performance throughout the season. Oscar Piastri, who emerged as the victor of the Sprint, hailed it as a significant achievement, while Norris congratulated his teammate on the milestone.
In the grand scheme of the season, Verstappen has dominated with 13 wins out of 16 races. With the Grand Prix on the horizon and Verstappen on pole, the newly crowned champion might be in for another celebration. However, all eyes will also be on Piastri, the emerging McLaren star, who has showcased his mettle on the track.
Classification 2023 Qatar Sprint
| P | No | Driver | Team | Time | Laps | Points |
| 1 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 35:01.297 | 19 | 8 |
| 2 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +1.871s | 19 | 7 |
| 3 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | +8.497s | 19 | 6 |
| 4 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | +11.036s | 19 | 5 |
| 5 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | +17.314s | 19 | 4 |
| 6 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | +18.806s | 19 | 3 |
| 7 | 23 | Alex Albon | Williams | +19.864s | 19 | 2 |
| 8 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | +21.180s | 19 | 1 |
| 9 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | +21.742s | 19 | 0 |
| 10 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Alfa Romeo | +22.208s | 19 | 0 |
| 11 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | AlphaTauri | +22.863s | 19 | 0 |
| 12 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +24.860s | 19 | 0 |
| 13 | 20 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas | +24.970s | 19 | 0 |
| 14 | 24 | Zhou Guanyu | Alfa Romeo | +26.868s | 19 | 0 |
| 15 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | +29.523s | 19 | 0 |
| NC | 27 | Nico Hülkenberg | Haas | DNF | 11 | 0 |
| NC | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine | DNF | 10 | 0 |
| NC | 11 | Sergio Pérez | Red Bull | DNF | 10 | 0 |
| NC | 2 | Logan Sargeant | Williams | DNF | 2 | 0 |
| 20 | 40 | Liam Lawson | AlphaTauri | DNF | 0 | 0 |
✅ Don't forget to check out our 2023 Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix Preview.
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Great drives by Piastri and Norris to have both McLarens on the podium. Oscar's first F1 win. Lando is still waiting for first first win, but it must happen soon.
Another failure for Perez! It's true that he was an innocent bystander in the collision that took him, Ocon and Hulkenberg out, however, a driver with his experience should have realised that three cars into one corner doesn't go! Perez should have backed off, but he stayed on the outside and sandwiched Hulkenberg.