Race recap | Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix amid tyre controversy
F1 News
With the Qatar Grand Prix on the horizon, it's time to look back at last year's chaotic and controversial race at the Losail International Circuit. Max Verstappen won the second-ever race in Qatar, wrapping up his third-world title by finishing second in the Sprint. His victory was marred by incredibly hot conditions and tyre drama which meant that every driver's maximum stint could only be 18 laps.
The race itself
Immediately after lights out, there was an incident which took Lewis Hamilton out of the race. He collided with teammate George Russell, and the contact sent him spinning off into the gravel trap, with Russell able to continue on. When the safety car ended on lap four, Max Verstappen extended his lead after starting from the pole and led every single lap of the race. Behind him, sprint winner Oscar Piastri joined him on the podium, with teammate Lando Norris in third. Despite the incident, George Russell still managed to finish the race in fourth place, with pit lane starter Sergio Perez recovering to 10th position.
Tyre concerns
Formula 1's biggest tyre drama since the 2005 Indianapolis Grand Prix took place in Qatar. After practice and qualifying, Pirelli saw that the tyres were being excessively damaged by the track's curbs. If they left it as it was, many drivers would most likely suffer from tyre failure in the race. The FIA responded swiftly, editing track limits for turns 12 and 13, the corners where tyres were brutally affected. After the sprint, the governing body decided to place a cap on the amount of laps per stint. Therefore, drivers could only run 18 laps before having to pit. On race day, drivers would have to come into the pitlane at least three times. Their decision was taken positively, as it meant that the race could theoretically carry on as normal, which it did.
Heat controversy
The hot conditions of around 33c with 70% humidity affected drivers up and down the grid. For example, Williams driver Logan Sargeant chose to retire due to heat stroke, with teammate Alex Albon visiting the medical centre post-race due to heat exposure. Notably, Alpine's Esteban Ocon vomited twice in his helmet but still managed to finish the race in seventh place. Several drivers, including race winner Max Verstappen and third-placed Lando Norris, said that it was the most physically demanding race that they've ever taken part in. In 2024, the race is taking place more than a month later, and although it will still be tough, these conditions shouldn't physically harm drivers like in 2023.