With the new world champion helmet with three stars, Max Verstappen also won the Qatar Grand Prix. The 26-year-old Dutchman raced to his 14th victory of this Formula 1 season around 24 hours after his renewed crowning glory in the Red Bull.
After the two Mercedes drivers crashed in the first corner, Verstappen dominated the 17th race this year from pole position at will.
The winner of the sprint race from the previous day, Oscar Piastri in the McLaren, came second, followed by teammate Lando Norris. Nico Hülkenberg, who drove into the wrong position before the starting lights went out and received a ten-second penalty, finished 16th in the Haas.
But the Silver Arrows provided a lot of discussion material. After a few meters, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell got in each other’s way with serious consequences. The record world champion, who started from third place, wanted to overtake his British compatriot, who had started from second position. There was contact, Hamilton slipped into the gravel trap, Russell was able to drive his damaged Mercedes into the pits for quick repairs and ended up fourth.
Lots of time penalties and pit stops
“I’m happy to take on the responsibility as a team player,” Hamilton said later, apologizing to the racing team and appearing quite remorseful. He was still radioing in the car: “My own teammate knocked me out.” The safety car had already been called out on the first lap.
Verstappen stayed out of everything at the front – as always this season. One day after his renewed coronation, he had put up with the celebrations well and confidently defended his 30th career pole.
In addition to many time penalties for leaving the track, the many tire changes caused tension in the race, which was once again dominated by Verstappen, in which he even lapped team-mate Sergio Pérez at times: After there were problems with the Pirelli rubber, the responsible world automobile association took action at least three tire changes and no more than 18 laps with one set. Verstappen also mastered this in the style of a three-time world champion.
