Formula 1: Verstappen coup in Qatar: “Just beautiful again”

Max Verstappen ran to his crew for a group photo with his index finger raised, followed by kisses and hugs from his mother and sister. Even as a four-time Formula 1 world champion, the Red Bull star was delighted with his victory coup in Qatar. “It’s just beautiful again,” he radioed enthusiastically to the pits, while the fireworks for the champion crashed in the night sky over the Lusail International Circuit: “I’m so proud of everyone in this team – everyone deserves this victory.”

The 27-year-old Dutchman relegated Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari to second place in the eventful race with three safety car phases. Oscar Piastri came third in the McLaren ahead of pole sitter George Russell in the Mercedes.

The decision in the fight for the world title in the constructors’ championship was postponed until the season finale in Abu Dhabi after Lando Norris, who was in second place, received a penalty and even fell out of the top ten and thus out of the points. At least he ultimately saved a point in tenth place and another point for the fastest lap of the race. “This is not the result we were hoping for. Now it’s exciting until the last race of the year,” said Piastri.

Thanks to Carlos Sainz, their pursuer Ferrari gained ten points in sixth place. “We were able to steal a few points from them,” said teammate Leclerc. The showdown in a week is 21 points behind – Ferrari has been waiting for the next team title since 2008, McLaren even since 1998.

Verstappen with a difficult start in Qatar

Even a week after the World Cup triumph, Verstappen was not lacking in motivation. Especially not after his pole position was taken away three hours after qualifying. The accusation: He was traveling too slowly at times. The worst sufferer in this specific incident was Russell, who moved to first place on the grid due to the grid penalty against Verstappen. Verstappen had to go to the dirty side of the track in second place.

Only behind them came those who had fought for victory in the sprint when Norris let Piastri pass in the very last meters as a thank you for his previous help. Norris finished third in qualifying and Norris fourth. At least in front of the two Ferraris – Leclerc started from fifth position, Sainz from seventh. And the Scuderia’s mandate was clear: together they were not allowed to score more than 15 points less than Norris and Piastri.

Also meant: attack right at the start, in which Russell became the big loser. From first to third to the first corner. Verstappen passed and Norris too. The Brit also tried to beat his World Cup conqueror on the inside, but couldn’t get past Verstappen. Behind the top three: Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz.

False start and admission by Hamilton: “I’m not fast anymore”

Record world champion Lewis Hamilton didn’t just get off to a bad start when he fell from sixth to ninth. He also jerked off too early: “Sorry, boys,” he immediately radioed to the pits. As a punishment, he was also given a five-second penalty for the false start in the second Mercedes.

It all fit into an already sobering weekend for the 105-time Grand Prix winner. “I’m not fast anymore,” he had to admit after the sprint qualifying. He was too fast in the pit lane during the race and was penalized for that too. In addition, there was a puncture and Hamilton no longer had a chance of scoring championship points.

Verstappen, on the other hand, remained at the top unimpressed even after several safety car phases. Behind him, Piastri quickly grabbed Leclerc – the team title mission was in full swing.

Because George Russell’s right rear wheel got stuck while changing a tire, the Las Vegas winner initially fell far behind. When Norris sensed his chance after another safety car deployment and attacked Verstappen, he showed who the world champion was. The Red Bull star fought back tough but completely fair and defended his lead.

Verstappen also survived the restart number three, shortly afterwards Norris received a penalty: 10 seconds stop and go. He did not slow down sufficiently during a yellow phase. Second place was gone, and so was the early team title for McLaren.