5 Things to Know Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix 2024
The reigning champion, Max Verstappen, might have already sealed the title on American soil last week, but the Formula 1 season is far from over. The travelling circus now heads to the Middle East to close out the year with back-to-back races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Here are five things you need to know ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.
The Constructors’ Championship Fight
In Las Vegas, Max Verstappen finished behind both Mercedes and Ferrari drivers, but it was still enough to clinch his fourth World Title. Lando Norris had been the only driver with a slim chance of denying the Dutchman this year’s glory. However, after losing 18 points to the reigning champion in São Paulo earlier this month, even the young Brit must have realised it was a long shot.
While Max Verstappen now stands as a four-time Formula One World Champion, the battle isn’t over for McLaren. The team still has a chance to end Red Bull’s dominance by breaking their Constructors’ Championship winning streak.
The papaya team isn’t the only one challenging the Milton Keynes outfit. The Constructors’ Championship battle is as competitive as ever, with the top three teams separated by just 53 points heading into this weekend’s Grand Prix. Ferrari currently sits in second place with 584 points, trailing McLaren (608 points) but ahead of Red Bull (555 points).
However, McLaren remains the only team with a chance to clinch the Constructors’ title this week at the Lusail International Circuit. If McLaren can extend their 24-point lead over the Italian Scuderia by an additional 21 points, the championship will return to Woking for the first time since 1998.
Lusail International Circuit
The second leg of the triple-header takes place in the desert region at the Lusail International Circuit. Originally built to host MotoGP races in the early 2000s, the circuit made its Formula 1 debut during the 2021 season. The medium-high-speed, twisty layout, located north of Doha, Qatar, quickly gained the reputation of one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar.
Last year, drivers endured extreme heat and humidity that pushed them to their physical limits, prompting organisers to move the race from October to late November. Additionally, teams had to contend with a strict 18-lap tyre limit, which forced a three-stop strategy and added another layer of complexity to race tactics.
The fluctuating temperatures between the afternoon practice and sprint qualifying sessions and the evening race sessions could play a role in the car’s setup, as conditions change with the weather. The sandy environment also poses its own challenges, with wind carrying sand onto the track and reducing grip in some corners, further testing the drivers’ focus and car handling.
With cooler conditions expected, this year’s race promises to be a more conventional spectacle compared to the intense challenges of last year’s event.
The current lap record is held by none other than Max Verstappen, who set a lap of 1:24.319 during the 2023 Grand Prix.
Length: 5.42km
Turns: 16 (6 left, 10 right)
Top Speed: 345 km/h
Profit vs Principle
Formula 1’s continuous global expansion has brought both excitement and controversy, with the inclusion of Qatar on the calendar sparking ethical debates. The country has faced repeated accusations of “sportswashing,” with critics questioning whether its involvement in high-profile events like F1 serves to divert attention from its questionable human rights record.
While lucrative contracts with hosts such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain bring financial benefits to Formula One, these deals raise significant questions about the true cost of such partnerships.
In the face of these concerns, some drivers have been vocal about the ethical implications of racing in Qatar. Sebastian Vettel, in particular, has been outspoken about the addition of the Qatar Grand Prix, questioning the organisers’ moral compass and Formula 1’s broader responsibility.
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali defends the sport’s decision to race in Qatar, describing Formula One as an “accelerator for change.”
However, this stance has been met with controversy, especially after the FIA updated its International Sporting Code, which now prohibits drivers from expressing political opinions without prior written permission from the governing body.
General Motors and Cadillac
Big news has hit the racing world this week as it was announced fans can expect an 11th team on the grid in 2026. After the unsuccessful Andretti bid to join the series, Formula 1 has reached an agreement in principle with General Motors/Cadillac.
“Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the eleventh team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course,” stated Formula 1 earlier this week.
Diversity and Inclusion Charter
As announced by Formula 1, “a new formal Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) charter has been agreed by all 10 F1 teams, Formula 1 and the FIA, having been created with support from the Royal Academy of Engineering, which, alongside Sir Lewis Hamilton, delivered the original report for The Hamilton Commission in 2021.”
The new D&I initiative is in collaboration with Lewis Hamilton’s Mission 44, and with it, they hope to attract underrepresented groups to motorsport and provide them with the necessary support to pursue careers in the industry. The initiative aims to break down existing barriers by creating pathways for young people, particularly from ethnic minority backgrounds, to access roles within the sport, both on and off the track.
“Our sport is rightly recognised for its elite performance and innovation, and we are clear that the only way to maintain and improve those exceptional standards is to welcome diversity of thought, ideas, and experiences,” says Stefano Domenicali.
