F1: Qatar Grand Prix Preview and Betting Tips

Max Verstappen’s win in Las Vegas and both McLaren drivers’ disqualification mean this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix takes on a different meaning. 

The Dutch driver has drawn level with Oscar Piastri on 366 points, and the pair trails championship leader Lando Norris by 24 points with two races remaining.

Let’s unpack what we can expect from this weekend’s Sprint race and the Qatar GP at the Lusail circuit, 15km outside of Doha’s city centre.

The Track

The circuit was opened in 2004 and was exclusively used for MotoGP. It measures 5.4km in length, and the main straight is over one kilometre long. Keep an eye out for a plethora of overtakes at Turn 1, which is a big braking zone.

According to F1.com, the Lusail International circuit has a fast and flowing layout with mostly medium- and high-speed corners.

In terms of strategy, there’ll be a mandatory two-stop race across the 57 laps. F1’s official tyre supplier, Pirelli, says due to the track’s nature, there’ll be a limit of 25 laps per set of tyres in the race due to its concern over potential failures.

The Italian company said: “For the sprint and the , all laps started after the start signal and before the end-of-session signal will be counted in the maximum number of laps permitted,” said Pirelli in a statement. “For the avoidance of doubt, this means that reconnaissance lap(s), formation laps prior to the start signal, and laps after the end-of-session signal will not be counted.”

Is McLaren back to being the favourites?

Norris’ performance in Vegas was strong until he made a mistake at the first corner, allowing Verstappen to take the lead. The British driver will hope that doesn’t happen in the title race. However, despite the track being more suitable for McLaren, it’s the four-time champion who edges Norris as the favourite for the Sprint and GP victories.

Verstappen took the win here last season, and he’s riding a wave of confidence unlike any other, so it’s not surprising to see him as the favourite.

Norris knows that finishing ahead of Verstappen is crucial for him to win his maiden championship, while Piastri has nothing to lose and will want to end the season on a strong note.

Look out for Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. While it’s never a good idea to ignore Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who is punching above his car’s weight.

Predictions

Grand Prix Winner: Norris

Sprint Winner: Norris

Grand Prix Podium: Norris , Verstappen, Piastri

Sprint Podium: Norris, Piastri, Verstappen

Pole Position: Norris

Sprint Pole: Norris

Top 4 and 5: Russell, Leclerc

Finish in the points: Hamilton, Sainz, Lawson, Hadjar

GP Race Winning Margin: Over 5 seconds

Fastest Lap: Norris

First to Retire: Colapinto

First car to retire: Alpine

Most Team Points: McLaren

Both Cars Qualify for Q3 Shootout: Racing Bulls

Ferrari Practice 1/2/3 Winning Car: Leclerc / Ferrari

Safety Car: No

Fastest pit stop: McLaren