It's the second race in the final triple-header and the last sprint weekend of the 2024 season 😭. As we hurtle toward the conclusion of the year, what do you need to know heading into Qatar?
From Sauna to Standard: Why 2024 Qatar Won’t Be a Repeat of 2023
Last year's Qatar race was nothing short of brutal. Drivers are no strangers to varied and challenging conditions, but the extreme October heat in Qatar last year pushed them to their limits, with cockpit temperatures reported to exceed 50°C! Unsurprisingly, we saw a lot of drivers struggling; Lance Stroll described nearly passing out while driving, Esteban Ocon famously threw up inside his helmet, and Logan Sargeant retired for safety reasons, feeling too unwell to continue.
While Qatar isn't the most technically challenging track on the calendar, it certainly tested the limits of every driver in 2023 (image https://www.npr.org/)
This year, all the drivers will no doubt welcome the move to a later slot in the calendar. The six-week difference should transform the race back into a fast and typically-challenging spectacle instead of a feat of human endurance. For comparison, we’re expecting temperatures this weekend to be in the mid-20s – much more manageable!
Whilst the heat was the biggest, it wasn't the only challenge of 2023. High pyramid curbs taken at Qatar track speeds wreaked havoc on Pirelli tyres. This forced Pirelli to issue a mandatory 18-lap tyre limit, resulting in a very quick, three-stop race for everyone - pushing the drivers even harder. For 2024, those curbs have been rounded off, and Pirelli is confident this has resolved the tyre wall separation issue seen last year.
With improved conditions, the focus shifts back to the on-track action and the high-stakes battles ahead.
McLaren’s Shot at the Constructors’ Title
While the Drivers' Championship brings personal glory, the Constructors' Championship is where the big money lies. With only two races remaining, this will now be the focus for the top teams. McLaren performed well at this track last year, and if they can stretch their lead to 45 points over second place by the end of Sunday, they’ll clinch the 2024 Constructors' title.
McLaren had a strong weekend here last year, finishing P2 and P3 behind Verstappen, who dominated the 2023 season. A similar performance this weekend might just be enough to secure the Constructors' Championship (image motorsportimages.com)
Ferrari, however, will be hoping to spoil the party and keep the battle alive until Abu Dhabi. To achieve this, they'll need a far better performance than last year – but even they aren’t sounding confident. Carlos Sainz admitted the uphill challenge, saying, “In Qatar, the maximum might be a P5 or a P6 because with this car on a track like Qatar, I expect to struggle, and I expect McLaren and Mercedes to be very strong.” If Sainz is right, it would be game over for Ferrari.
Pulling might have her own crowning moment
While McLaren fights for glory in the F1 Constructors' Championship, another championship could also be decided this weekend, with Abbi Pulling on the verge of making history!
Abbi Pulling will be hoping to seal her Championship with a win this weekend. (image https://x.com/AbbiPulling)
In F1 Academy, Pulling is on the brink of claiming the Drivers’ Championship, heading into the weekend with an impressive 95-point lead. Almost nothing but a win by her nearest competitor, Doriane Pin, will stop Pulling from being crowned the F1 Academy Drivers' Champion at Qatar.
In a welcome boost to the series, F1 announced earlier this month that the 2024 F1 Academy winner will receive a fully funded GB3 seat for next season. So, by the end of the weekend, we could not only know the champion, but also at least one of the places they’ll be racing in 2025!
Keep an eye on the midfield battle for p6
Beyond the titles at stake, the midfield battle remains fierce, with teams jostling for every point. So while it may not come with a trophy, the battle for 6th in the constructors is as hot as any other. And a big win in Qatar for Haas, Alpine, or VCARB, will be of huge consequence.
We've already seen the difference a big weekend can make, with Alpine's stunning 2-3 finish in Brazil effectively launching them into this battle. With only 4 points between the three teams, it's very much all to play for over these final races.
Kick Sauber are running out of time to score
Finally, right at the bottom of the Constructors', Kick Sauber faces an uphill battle to avoid a point-less season.
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will both be feeling the pressure to finish in the points this weekend (image skysports.com)
The pressure will be at boiling point in the Kick Sauber F1 team to score a point or two. After back-to-back finishes of P13 (Bottas in Brazil and Guanyu in Las Vegas) and a season best of P11 (Guanyu, Bahrain) could this weekend’s sprint race and grand prix finally bring a change in their fortunes? From a fan perspective, with both drivers currently not having a seat for next year and potentially coming to the end of their F1 careers, it would be great to see.
Which battles are you most excited about this weekend? Let us know below!
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