The Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit delivered drama, chaos, and excitement, as the penultimate race of the F1 season often does. Max Verstappen cemented his dominance with a stellar performance, navigating Safety Cars, on-track collisions, and unpredictable moments to secure another victory for Red Bull. But the race wasn’t a smooth ride for everyone. Some drivers and teams left Qatar with their heads held high, while others were eager to forget the weekend and focus on Abu Dhabi. Here’s a closer look at five winners and five losers from the Qatar Grand Prix.
Winners
1. Max Verstappen
If ever there was an example of turning frustration into fuel, it was Max Verstappen’s Qatar Grand Prix performance. After being stripped of pole position due to a rare one-place grid penalty, Verstappen used his trademark aggression and precision to reclaim the lead within moments of the race start.
Once out front, the newly crowned world champion managed the chaos of Safety Cars and a tricky Lusail circuit with his characteristic cool. His victory marked his ninth win of the season and showcased why he continues to dominate the sport. Notably, it was his first dry-weather win since Spain, reinforcing his adaptability across conditions.
Key Moment: Verstappen’s clinical start, reclaiming P1 within the first lap and never looking back.
2. Fernando Alonso
The wily veteran proved once again why he’s regarded as one of the sharpest racers on the grid. Driving for Aston Martin, Alonso capitalized on others’ misfortunes and executed a near-flawless strategy to secure a podium finish. While he didn’t have the outright pace to challenge Verstappen, his consistency and racecraft shone in the turbulent mid-pack battles.
Key Moment: Surviving multiple Safety Car restarts and timing his tire strategy to perfection, which ultimately rewarded him with third place.
3. Mercedes Team Strategy
Amidst the chaos, Mercedes demonstrated the power of teamwork and strategy. George Russell’s impressive recovery drive from an early spin, combined with Lewis Hamilton’s calculated overtakes, showcased the team’s resilience. Though they didn’t secure a win, their double-points finish kept them competitive in the constructors’ standings.
Key Moment: A well-timed pit stop for Russell under the Safety Car minimized his time loss and set him up for a strong points finish.
4. Pierre Gasly
Pierre Gasly emerged as one of the standout performers of the weekend, delivering his best race since moving to Alpine. His ability to navigate the chaos and capitalize on others’ errors saw him finish in the top five, much to the delight of his team. Gasly’s performance was a reminder of the talent he brings to the grid when given the right machinery.
Key Moment: A daring overtake on the outside of Turn 6 against Carlos Sainz, demonstrating his confidence and skill.
5. The Lusail Circuit
While some circuits can dampen the excitement of a race, Lusail’s layout produced overtaking opportunities, tight battles, and plenty of drama. The track proved challenging for drivers, demanding precision and adaptability, particularly through its high-speed corners. Its ability to deliver a thrilling spectacle has cemented its place as a valuable addition to the F1 calendar.
Key Moment: Multiple incidents in Sector 2 that tested drivers’ limits and thrilled the audience.
Losers
1. Charles Leclerc
It was another tough weekend for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. A promising start unraveled after a costly collision with a rival, leaving him with damage that hampered his race pace. Despite his best efforts, Leclerc could only manage a finish outside the points, dealing a blow to his season’s momentum.
Key Moment: Contact with Sergio Perez in the opening laps, which compromised his strategy and pace.
2. McLaren’s Pit Strategy
For McLaren, Qatar was a case of what could have been. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both had the pace to fight for a podium, but missteps in pit strategy during the multiple Safety Car periods saw them lose track position at critical moments. While they still scored points, the team will rue the missed opportunity to maximize their weekend.
Key Moment: Piastri’s ill-timed pit stop under the second Safety Car, which dropped him out of podium contention.
3. Sergio Perez
Perez’s inconsistent form in 2023 continued in Qatar, where he endured a weekend to forget. Starting from the midfield after a disappointing qualifying session, Perez was caught up in on-track incidents and struggled to make progress. His P11 finish was a stark contrast to teammate Verstappen’s dominant victory.
Key Moment: A spin after contact with Kevin Magnussen, which sent Perez tumbling down the order.
4. Logan Sargeant
The American rookie has shown flashes of potential throughout the season, but Qatar highlighted the steep learning curve he’s facing in F1. Struggling with tire degradation and a couple of unforced errors, Sargeant finished at the back of the field, prompting questions about his readiness for the top tier of motorsport.
Key Moment: An off-track excursion during Lap 23 that cost him valuable seconds.
5. Alfa Romeo
The Alfa Romeo team endured a weekend to forget, with both drivers finishing outside the points. Poor qualifying performances and a lack of race pace left them unable to compete effectively, and their strategy decisions only compounded their struggles. It’s clear the team is eager to put Qatar behind them and focus on the season finale.
Key Moment: Valtteri Bottas’s decision to stay out during a Safety Car period, which backfired as he lost track position to faster cars on fresher tires.
Looking Ahead to Abu Dhabi
As the F1 circus heads to Yas Marina for the season finale, the stakes remain high for many teams and drivers. While Verstappen has already sealed the drivers’ championship, battles for constructors’ positions and personal pride will keep the competition fierce. The Qatar Grand Prix served as a reminder of the unpredictability of Formula 1 and the resilience required to excel in one of the world’s most demanding sports.
