After the break week, for the Formula 1 it's time to get back on track. We set off again and do it on the Losail track for the Qatar GP which – after its absence last season – finally returns to the calendar, in a weekend that could go down in Formula 1 history.
Qatar GP, Sprint is back
In Qatar one of the big news concerns the presence of the format Sprint. Therefore, after the Belgian GP, the famous mini-race on Saturday returns, which involves several changes to the structure of the weekend. In fact, it will be there on Friday the first and only free practice session, followed by the qualification, fundamental for establishing the starting grid for Sunday's race. On Saturday, however, there will only be space for the Sprint with the Qualifying Shootout in the morning which will be fundamental in determining the starting grid of the mini-race scheduled for the afternoon. Everything is normal, however, on Sunday with the usual and unmissable event race.
Verstappen, the first match point of the season in Qatar
With this format, Saturday can be truly decisive. Max Verstappen, in fact, will have at its disposal his first match point of the season to win – for the third year in a row – the world title. If something goes wrong for Verstappen, the Dutchman will also have Sunday's race available to try to say goodbye to Losail – before the triptych in America – as world champion, further certifying his dominance during this season.
Ferrari and McLaren: objective to overtake
Inside Ferrari, however, the objective is very clear: the second square in the manufacturers ranking. Mercedes still dictates the pace, but in the last races – including Suzuka – the Red team has shown that it is in a good period of form, placing itself behind only the excellent McLaren. For Leclerc and Sainz, Qatar must represent another opportunity to get closer to the Brackley team, also because there are fewer and fewer races at the end. Ferrari's similar objective, but for different positions, is that of McLaren. Norris in Week he admitted that the strength of the Woking team is the driver duo, with the double podium in Suzuka proving this. The objective for the team led on the track by team principal Andrea Stella is called fourth place, trying to overtake an Aston Martin in clear difficulty.
Everything is ready for the Qatar GP
There are many reasons to follow the Qatar GP. It will be possible not to miss even a moment on the track live and exclusively on Sky Sport and streaming on NOW. Below are the times for the Qatar GP.
GP Qatar, times
Friday 14th October
15.30 Free Practice 1
19.00 pm Qualifications
Saturday October 7
15.00pm Sprint Shootout
19.30 Sprints
Sunday October 8
19.00 Race
