Bréaking: F1 Qatar Grand Prix Results Today: Verstappen wins CRAZY race after huge Norris penalty…Read more
F1 Qatar Grand Prix Results Today: Verstappen wins CRAZY race after huge Norris penalty
The 2024 Qatar Grand Prix delivered a thrilling spectacle as Max Verstappen claimed another dominant victory amidst chaos on the track.
The race saw dramatic turns of events, including a contentious penalty for Lando Norris and a series of tire punctures caused by debris.
Norris received a significant stop-and-go penalty late in the race for failing to slow down under yellow flag conditions, severely impacting his position. He fell to the back of the standings with just 12 laps remaining.
The yellow flags were triggered by debris on the track after a wing mirror was struck and shattered, causing punctures for several drivers.
The FIA’s decision not to deploy a safety car immediately was criticized, as the debris remained hazardous until Valtteri Bottas hit it, setting off a chain reaction.
Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz were among those who suffered punctures, forcing them to complete laps with deflated front-left tires.
Although a safety car was eventually deployed, many argued it came too late to prevent the earlier incidents.
The delay mitigated some damage for Hamilton and Sainz, but both drivers finished outside the top positions.
Despite his penalties, Norris showcased an impressive recovery drive, overtaking backmarkers to claim a single point for finishing 10th.
He also secured the fastest lap of the race, a crucial contribution to McLaren’s fight in the constructors’ championship.
Verstappen cruised to a comfortable win for Red Bull, finishing six seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in second place.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri took a well-earned third, completing the podium.
George Russell finished fourth for Mercedes, despite a five-second penalty, while Alpine’s Pierre Gasly rounded out the top five.
Other notable results included Sainz finishing sixth, followed by Fernando Alonso in seventh for Aston Martin.
Zhou Guanyu secured eighth for Kick Sauber, while Kevin Magnussen earned Haas valuable points in ninth.
Bottas ended 11th after encountering debris, and Hamilton finished a distant 12th after his puncture.
Several drivers failed to finish, including Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, and Esteban Ocon, adding to the unpredictability of the race.
The chaotic race not only highlighted Verstappen’s dominance but also intensified the constructors’ championship battle, with every point proving vital in the remaining races.
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