Vinay Nayudu
Lusail
Following on his world championship triumph in the Sprint at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix on Saturday, Max Verstappen excelled again to claim the Qatar Grand Prix title in style at the Lusail International Circuit on Sunday.
The Red Bull driver, who clinched the title in Saturday’s sprint race, started on pole and was comfortably ahead of the rest of the field on his way, 4.838 seconds clear, in 1:27:39.168secs for his 14th Grand Prix win of 2023.
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finished second and third in a double podium finish for team McLaren.
Dutch Verstappen received his trophy at the hands of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, while HE Sports Minister Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali awarded the second-placed Australian Oscar Piastri.
Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai handed the trophy to third podium finisher British-Belgian Lando Norris.
The Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday was witnessed by a capacity crowd at the gleaming Lusail International Circuit. VVIPs, ministers, stars and celebrities including Qatar’s high jump champion and recent Asian Games gold medalist Mutaz Essa Barshim, football legend David Beckham, former Brazilian football star Ronaldinho and others were also present.
The Grand Prix win for the 26-year-old Verstappen was his 49th race victory. After winning in Qatar, he said: “What made the race was my first stint, after that I could just manage my pace, making sure that the tyres were always in a good window. But the McLaren’s were quick again today, I had to push for it, it was definitely a tough races out there.”
On his Saturday’s celebrations after becoming a third time F1 world champion, he said: “I’m already sweating quite a bit so I wonder what happened last night but we will enjoy it a little bit but there are still quite a few races out there that we want to win.”
Earlier, Lewis Hamilton, who won the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix in 2021, crashed out of the race colliding at the first corner.
The two Mercedes of George Russell and Hamilton started behind Verstappen on the grid but collided at the first corner. The crash impact sent both cars spinning. Hamilton flew off, but Russell recovered to continue and make a pit stop as a safety car was deployed.
The seven-time champion, said on X (formally Twitter): “I’ve watched the replay and it was 100% my fault and I take full responsibility. Apologies to my team and to George.”
Later, he said, “I feel so sorry for my team. The opportunity was there to for us to score a lot of good points. It was all in the heat of the moment. I mean... I didn’t really understand what happened. I just felt the tap from behind and I don’t think George probably had anywhere to go.
“It’s just one of those really unfortunate situations. I’m happy to take responsibility for it.
In contrast, Australian rookie Piastri continued his super run at the Lusail International Circuit following his first career podium finish at the Japanese Grand Prix two weeks ago. He had won the Qatar sprint race Saturday.
Piastri told his team it was “probably the hardest race I’ve ever had in my life,” adding his thanks for “whoever bowled everyone over at turn one,” in a reference to the Mercedes crash.
Norris has been on the podium for four races in a row including the sprint - though a first career win still eludes the British driver because of Verstappen’s domination.
Safety concerns over the tyres meant drivers were banned from using the same tyres for more than 18 laps.
That meant a minimum of three pit stops in the 57-lap race, so strategy played a prominent role.
Piastri likened the race to “57 qualifying laps” since the frequent stops meant no need for drivers to ease off and prevent tyre wear.
FIA allowed only 18 laps per set of rubbers after tyre maker Pirelli said that inspections of tyres revealed “a separation in the sidewall between the topping compound and the carcass cords on many of tyres that were checked.”
The issue was likely in connection with the high kerbs used at the track.
At one stage, Verstappen even lapped his teammate Sergio Perez, who ended up ninth.
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz was not able to race owing to a fuel system problem and Nico Hülkenberg then got a 10-second penalty because he illegally took Sainz’ original grid spot at the start.
The Formula One bandwagon will now move to Austin in Texas for Race 19 of a 23-race 2023 season.
(inputs agencies)
