For the first time in more than fifteen years, the papayas and the reds are back to back in the manufacturers’ ranking. After the validation of Max Verstappen’s title in Las Vegas, the two teams beaten by the lion of Red Bull, who on the other hand were able to count on all their drivers each time to score big points, are reducing their strength towards the second title again in play this season. Both at McLaren and at Ferrari, we must put an end to a hiatus that has been far too long. The British have not won a constructors’ crown since 1998, the Italians since 2008.
It is therefore a prestigious battle between two colossi of F1 that we should expect in the Losail desert. Fortunately, in this bitter fight, the climatic conditions will be more livable for the pilots. The event has been moved by almost two months compared to the 2023 edition. As a result, the thermometer goes from 40 to 25 C° while the humidity level will drop by 10%. We should therefore no longer relive the alarming scenes of fainting that marked the previous edition.
Quit or double
Heading into Qatar, McLaren has a 24-point lead over Ferrari. That’s less than a victory. The trip to the Middle East could therefore mark a pivot point. The team led by Andrea Stella, however, leaves with the favors of the forecasts. Last year, Oscar Piastri beat Max Verstappen during the sprint race and it was a close call for the Australian and his teammate Lando Norris to do the same during the Grand Prix.
“After a more difficult weekend in Las Vegas, the conditions and circuit in Qatar should suit our car wellrecognizes Stella. We are therefore ready to maximize all opportunities, especially with the additional crucial points available during the Sprint. The fight is closer than ever among the manufacturers. Every point will count. We continue to stay focused and we will do everything we can to finish the job.”
F1: Monza until 2031
If Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc have once again nibbled away points on their rivals, the prancing horse does not, however, leave with confidence for the Losail meeting. It will also be double or nothing for the reds. “We are moving from a circuit with right-angled corners and long straights to a circuit with many high-speed corners, which on paper does not play to our strengths,” admits boss Fred Vasseur.
Suffice to say that the little horse will do everything not to be a mirage in the desert.
