Between McLaren and Ferrari, Red Bull comes out on top Qatar Max Verstappen, after graduating world champion for the fourth time in Las Vegas, gave himself his second victory in the last three races under the artificial lights of Lusail. A surprising result, considering how things had gone in the previous weeks. The real turning point for Red Bull came after the Sprint Race on Saturday: the team found the key to unlock the rest of the weekend. Without the penalty in qualifying, Verstappen would have also taken pole position, but starting second was not a limit for the Dutchman, who quickly overtook Russell at the start. In the race, however, the many twists and turns made the race uncertain until the end, with the fight for the constructors' title which will officially take place in Abu Dhabi. Between accidents and questionable choices by a race direction that brought chaos, we see the best and worst of the Qatar GP at Fanta F1.
The top at Fanta F1 in Qatar
Max Verstappen: After clinching his fourth world title in Las Vegas, Max Verstappen reaffirmed his superiority by dominating the Qatar GP. Despite a penalty that cost him pole, the Dutchman transformed second place into a clear triumph by driving a flawless race. Red Bull, after a difficult period, is back to being the team to beat. Or rather, Max is back to being the driver to beat.
Zhou Guanyu: am I dreaming or am I awake? In a complicated season, Guanyu Zhou gave Kick Sauber a breath of fresh air, scoring the team's first points of the year. The Chinese driver made the most of the opportunities the race offered him, maintaining a constant pace and avoiding mistakes to finish in P8.
Pierre Gasly: Pierre Gasly was one of the most solid protagonists of the weekend, taking home a precious fifth position keeping Sainz's Ferrari behind him towards the end. In a race marked by incidents and twists, the Frenchman kept calm and took advantage of the difficulties of others to collect important points. Gasly confirms himself as a fundamental resource for the Enstone team, disappointed instead by Ocon's out. As the icing on the cake, Pierre also won the Sky Pilot bonus.
Fanta F1 Qatar flops
Land Norris: Lando Norris went from challenging Max Verstappen for the win to finding himself relegated outside the points zone, in one of the most bitter weekends of his season. The 10-second stop-and-go penalty, imposed for an infringement for not slowing under yellow flags, completely compromised his race. Norris, who until that point had shown extraordinary pace, slipped to the back of the pack with no chance of recovery. A result that stings, especially considering the value of McLaren this weekend and the importance of the fight for the Constructors' Championship.
Sergio Perez: if Sergio Perez's 2024 was already full of difficulties, the Qatar GP represented yet another setback. Light years away from his teammate Verstappen, the Mexican squandered the opportunity to conclude a decent race by eliminating himself under the Safety Car. A mistake that put an end to a colorless weekend and that leaves even more doubts about his future at Red Bull. Perez seems increasingly distant from the form expected from a driver of a top team.
Nico Hulkenberg: Nico Hulkenberg faced the Qatar GP with his usual determination, but the race turned into a long ordeal. The Haas driver struggled against an uncompetitive car and the track conditions, but his retirement on lap 45 came almost as a relief. If Hulkenberg can finally turn the page, his Fantamanagers, who were counting on a solid result, will have little to smile about. A difficult weekend for Nico, who continues to fight in a season that is anything but easy.
