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Verstappen Triumphs, Norris Penalized I Qatar Grand Prix 2024

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Verstappen Triumphs, Norris Penalized I Qatar Grand Prix 2024

Max Verstappen this Sunday was almost perfect on the Qatar Grand Prix circuit and was imposed for the 9th time on this 2024 season, further affirming his domination on the competition tracks. The Red Bull driver was untroubled throughout the 58 laps at Losail, reaction better than three safety cars and early duel and pressure from Lando Norris to secure a 6.1 second victory over Charles Leclerc. Norris who had been giving Verstappen a tough time of it in the race was handed a 10 second stop-go penalty for not respecting the yellow signal.

 

Starting from second after a grid penalty, Verstappen made his move from polesitter George Russell at the first lap. Norris, who had a great start too, didn’t let a gap open in the first couple of laps, and was within two seconds of Verstappen. That was undone on the lap-five restart after the formation of the first safety car; Verstappen then proceeded to drive away from DRS range. Norris again matched up with the pace of the car ahead and kept the gap to a minimum, but he was never close enough to be a real challenge to the race leader. The penalty that was given out on lap 30 after Norris crossed the yellow section that had been caused by debris from Alex Albon’s car, put out the lights on his podium hopes.

 

Second went to Charles Leclerc who just managed to outstave McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by holding the groove when a safety car came out during the middle of the race. Coming onto the track before Leclerc, Piastri’s initial pit stop had put him behind the Ferrari driver to spend the last few laps with no real competition. Russell finished fourth despite a five-second penalty while his countryman Pierre Gasly enjoyed a fine fifth for Alpine. Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso both made comebacks from problems to finish 6th and 7th respectively.

 

Verstappen made it look very easy during the chaos styired race, proving that he is the best. Till Norris could demonstrate sometimes exceptional performance, the penalty also proved how merciless Formula 1 can be. With this win, Verstappen has again emerged as the hot favourite for the title and the 2024 championship.

 

 

 

Final Classification: A Day of Mixed Fortunes

  • 1st: Max Verstappen – Dominated from start to finish.
  • 2nd: Charles Leclerc – Benefited from strategic precision.
  • 3rd: Oscar Piastri – Held on for another podium.
  • 4th: George Russell – Overcame a penalty to claim solid points.
  • 5th: Pierre Gasly – Resilient drive to secure Alpine’s best result of the year.
  • 6th: Carlos Sainz – Recovered well from a puncture.
  • 7th: Fernando Alonso – Masterclass in strategy.
  • 8th: Zhou Guanyu – A landmark result for Sauber.
  • 9th: Kevin Magnussen – Held off challenges to bring points for Haas.
  • 10th: Lando Norris – Salvaged points despite a frustrating penalty.

 

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