The Qatar GP could have been an excellent chance for Mercedes to conquer the podium. But a mistake ruined the idea of a double podium at Mercedes. They started with both drivers in the top positions, with the possibility of catching pole man Max Verstappen, thanks to the gap inevitably reduced due to the three pit stops made mandatory by the FIA directive.
Qatar qualifications
During qualifying, the two Mercedes drivers were lucky thanks to the errors of the two McLaren drivers with track limits. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell reached the qualifying podium for the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix. Russell moved up to second position thanks to the cancellation of Lando Norris’ time. While Hamilton was on for pole position. However, a mistake in the last attempt cost him. Thankfully for Hamilton, the track limits also affected rookie Oscar Piastri. The 7-time World Champion thus rose to third place on the starting grid on Sunday afternoon at the Losail circuit.
Qatar Sprint Race
It was an unusual Saturday at the Losail International Circuit. The FIA introduced an extra 10-minute free practice session before the Sprint Shootout, after changes were made to Turns 12 and 13. This was due to cracks in the Pirelli tires caused by those corners. Here Lewis Hamilton brought his Mercedes to fifth position, recovering from twelfth place on the starting grid. He chose medium tires to try to make the tires last longer.
Thanks to Esteban Ocon, Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez playing bumper cars in front of Hamilton, he managed to bring home a good placing. And this has clearly contributed to the team gaining six points over Ferrari in the fight for second place in the constructors’ championship. Russell, initially, managed to take the lead from Oscar Piastri. However, the McLaren driver had the tire advantage over his Mediums throughout the race. This led him to overtake Mercedes and take his first F1 victory in the Qatar Sprint.
A double podium missed
The front row duo, Max Verstappen and George Russell, opted for medium tires for the start. While Hamilton opted for the soft tyres. From third place Lewis Hamilton started with a notable advantage, namely the new soft tires which allowed him greater grip at the start compared to George Russell’s used yellows.
Lewis Hamilton tried to overtake both drivers on the outside of Turn 1. Going to the left of his teammate, his right rear wheel made contact with the left front of the young Briton’s car. Hamilton was thrown into the gravel with his right rear tire destroyed, complaining over the radio that he had been taken out by Russell. Destroying Mercedes’ chances at a double podium in Qatar.
However, once he returned to Pit Lane, he had a different view. In fact, here he realized what had happened, apologizing to his teammate and the team, taking all the blame. Qatar stewards investigated the incident after the race. They decided that no action was necessary, deeming it a typical “Lap 1, Turn 1” incident. This contact was fatal as it cost Lewis Hamilton the retirement and thus the idea of a double podium at Mercedes also faded. Russell, however, from the last position in which he had climbed, managed to recover up to fourth position, where he finished the race.
Constructors fight with Ferrari
Clearly, the Qatar Grand Prix would have been a great chance for Mercedes if perhaps they had agreed on a strategy earlier. Lewis attacked, closing too much and making mistakes. However, George knew that Lewis was on better tires, and perhaps he could have left him in his wake. Clearly, a huge opportunity to secure a P2 in the constructors’ championship was also lost.
But nothing is lost yet, there are still 5 races left before the end of this season. The battle between Ferrari and Mercedes for second place in the constructors’ championship is still open.
