Max Verstappen claimed a commanding victory in an action-packed Qatar Grand Prix, overcoming a highly eventful race that featured three Safety Car deployments, multiple incidents, and a costly penalty for Lando Norris. While Verstappen showcased his usual brilliance, Norris’s penalty sent shockwaves through the race, dropping him down the order after being in contention for the win.
The race began under dramatic circumstances with Verstappen starting second due to a one-place grid penalty for a qualifying incident. The Dutchman wasted no time asserting himself, battling past polesitter George Russell and Norris into Turn 1 to seize the lead.
An Incident-Packed Race
Verstappen’s drive to victory wasn’t without challenges. The first of three Safety Cars was deployed on the opening lap after an incident involving Franco Colapinto, Esteban Ocon, and Nico Hülkenberg ended their races prematurely. The second restart saw intense pressure from Norris, who had been running nose-to-tail with Verstappen for the lead, but the Red Bull driver held firm.
The final twist came after a puzzling decision by race control to delay intervention when Williams driver Alex Albon left debris on the track. Seven laps passed under double-waved yellow flags before a Safety Car was deployed. During this time, Norris appeared not to slow sufficiently, an error immediately noted by Verstappen. The situation escalated when Valtteri Bottas struck the debris on Lap 36, causing multiple punctures for drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz.
Following the restart, Verstappen and Norris engaged in a tense side-by-side duel down to Turn 1, but Verstappen maintained his lead by holding the inside line. Shortly after, the stewards issued Norris a 10-second stop/go penalty for failing to slow under yellow flags. That penalty effectively ended his fight for victory.
Photo Courtesy Red Bull Content Pool
Verstappen’s Triumph, Norris’s Recovery
Verstappen was unchallenged from that point, cruising to his ninth win of the season and his first as a four-time world champion. Reflecting on his performance, Verstappen hailed the race as one of his finest of the year despite the chaotic conditions.
"It was a very good race," said Verstappen. "Of course already yesterday in qualifying the car was a lot better. Today, that first stint was very, very fast. Lando and I were just within 1.8s of each other the whole time, pushing each other and honestly it was a lot of fun out there.
"This track has a lot of grip and this year the tyres were really holding on so that was honestly a lot of fun to be really pushing the tyre. We went really long on that first stint. After that of course there were a few Safety Car moments that you had to take care, but very happy. It’s been a while in the dry to be this competitive and very proud of everyone within the team to turn it around within a day. They definitely also deserve this victory."
Norris, meanwhile, staged an impressive recovery. After serving his penalty, he dropped to the back of the field but fought his way back to 10th place, earning the bonus point for the fastest lap in a display of resilience.
Surprises and Battles Throughout the Field
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc emerged as a surprise second-place finisher, crossing the line six seconds behind Verstappen. His teammate Carlos Sainz finished sixth after recovering from a dramatic mid-race puncture. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri rounded out the podium with a strong third-place finish, bolstering McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship hopes but seeing their lead over Ferrari cut to just 21 points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.
George Russell, who started from pole, finished fourth as Mercedes’ only points scorer. Behind him, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly delivered another solid performance, battling to fifth place and fending off a determined Sainz.
Further down the order, Fernando Alonso claimed seventh for Aston Martin, while Zhou Guanyu made headlines with Kick Sauber’s first points of the year by finishing eighth—a result that earned him the Driver of the Day accolade. Kevin Magnussen added to Haas’s points tally with ninth, one place ahead of Norris.
Photo Courtesy Red Bull Content Pool
Tough Day for Mercedes and Red Bull’s Second Driver
Lewis Hamilton endured another forgettable outing for Mercedes, receiving two penalties—one for a false start and another for speeding in the pit lane. At one point, Hamilton even asked to retire but eventually crossed the line in 12th, visibly dejected.
Red Bull’s second seat also struggled, as Sergio Pérez spun out and retired midway through the race, marking another tough day in the Mexican’s campaign. Nico Hülkenberg, Lance Stroll, Colapinto, and Ocon also failed to finish the race after early incidents.
Championship Implications
Verstappen’s dominant victory further solidified his place at the top of the sport, while Norris’s penalty and resulting loss of points intensified the pressure on McLaren as the Constructors’ title fight goes to the wire. With only one race remaining in Abu Dhabi, McLaren holds a narrow 21-point lead over Ferrari, ensuring a thrilling climax to the season. The final stop on the 2024 F1 calendar will be the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the paddock travelling straight to the Yas Marina Circuit for the season finale on December 6-8.