The sands of Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit are set to host a nail-biting showdown this weekend as McLaren and Ferrari go wheel-to-wheel in a fight for Formula 1’s Constructors’ Championship. With Max Verstappen already crowned as the Drivers’ Champion for the fourth consecutive year, the spotlight now shifts to the battle among the teams, with Red Bull still clinging to slim hopes of a last-gasp double.
McLaren’s Historic Chance
For McLaren, this is the best chance in decades to claim a Constructors’ title, a feat they last achieved in 1998 during the reign of Mika Hakkinen. The Woking-based squad enters the penultimate round leading Ferrari by 24 points and Red Bull by 53, with 103 points still up for grabs across the final two events. To secure the crown in Qatar, McLaren must outscore Ferrari by at least 21 points.
Lando Norris, the team’s talisman, is ready to capitalize on Qatar’s desert heat, a stark contrast to the chilly conditions in Las Vegas.
“We have full focus on what we need to achieve in the final two rounds,” Norris said. “The track and conditions in Qatar should suit us more than last weekend, so I’m excited to see what we can do.”
His teammate, Oscar Piastri, has fond memories of Lusail after winning the Sprint race and finishing second in last year’s Grand Prix.
“I’m really excited to see what we can do this time around,” Piastri added.
Ferrari’s Resurgence and Sainz’s Last Hurrah
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, fresh off three podiums in the last four races, is eager to end his Ferrari career on a high before making way for Lewis Hamilton in 2025. His strong form has complicated life for teammate Charles Leclerc, who had a heated radio outburst after finishing behind Sainz in Las Vegas. The friction within Ferrari could prove pivotal as they chase their first Constructors’ title since 2008.
“We’ve got to have a good weekend,” said Leclerc, who is also vying with Norris for second place in the Drivers’ standings. “McLaren is going to be very strong in Qatar.”
Ferrari’s impressive 55-point haul during the Sprint weekend in Texas shows they’re capable of turning the tide, but the high-speed layout and expected heat in Qatar could play into McLaren’s hands.
Red Bull: Fighting from the Shadows
Red Bull, dominant for much of the last decade, finds itself in an unusual position: third in the standings. While Max Verstappen has carried the team, teammate Sergio Perez’s lackluster form—just nine points in his last six races—has severely hampered their Constructors’ hopes.
Verstappen’s Sprint dominance could help keep Red Bull in the fight, but unless Perez delivers in his 280th start, Red Bull’s chances of retaining the Constructors’ crown appear slim.
The Wildcards: Mercedes and the Midfield Battle
Mercedes played spoiler in Las Vegas with a surprise one-two finish, denying Ferrari a bigger points haul. George Russell’s Las Vegas victory and Hamilton’s form make Mercedes a potential disruptor again in Qatar.
“We certainly benefited from the cold in Las Vegas,” said team boss Toto Wolff, “but the layout in Qatar should favor our car.”
Meanwhile, the midfield scrap is as intense as ever, with Haas, Alpine, and AlphaTauri separated by just four points. The prize money implications add another layer of urgency, making every position crucial.
The Qatar Challenge
Last year’s race in Qatar was a tire-shredding spectacle, with extreme conditions forcing multiple pit stops. The circuit has since been modified, with gravel strips added and kerbs rounded off to prevent tire damage. However, the desert heat and unique layout still promise a grueling test for drivers and teams alike.
What’s at Stake
- Constructors’ Championship: McLaren aims to seal the title early, while Ferrari hopes to keep the fight alive for the Abu Dhabi finale.
- Drivers’ Standings: Norris and Leclerc vie for the runner-up spot, adding individual drama to the team battle.
- Midfield Mayhem: Millions in prize money hang in the balance for Haas, Alpine, and AlphaTauri.
The stage is set for a dramatic desert showdown. Will McLaren rise to reclaim past glory? Can Ferrari break their drought? Or will Red Bull pull off a last-minute miracle? The answers await under Qatar’s blistering sun.
