F1 Heads to Qatari Soil for Thrilling Final Weekend of 2024 Season
Doha, Qatar - The 2024 Formula 1 season is set to come to a thrilling conclusion this weekend as the grid gathers for the final two rounds at the Lusail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar. The battle for victory among the leading teams will be intensified as McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes all vie for the top spot, with the Drivers' Championship already decided.
The Qatar Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1, marks the third visit to the circuit for F1 since its 2019 premiere. The track has witnessed intense battles in recent years, including a grueling race in October last year where Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris compared notes after an epic fight.
The latest standings see McLaren leading the constructors' title race with Ferrari hot on their heels, just 24 points behind. Red Bull is distant third, 53 points adrift of the leaders, but still fighting to salvage what remains a slim chance of overtaking for the constructors' crown.
For the drivers, this weekend will be an opportunity for McLaren to clinch their first teams' title since 1998 and cement their legacy in F1 history. A lead of 45 points or more over Ferrari would secure the championship, but Ferrari had a chance to take sole leadership earlier this year.
The competition is not only fierce among the top teams but also at the Academy level. Britain's Abbi Pulling will have a golden opportunity to clinch the F1 Academy title in Saturday's first race, which promises to be an exciting ride. Meanwhile, the Formula 2 championship battle is getting increasingly intense with 2025 Sauber F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto just 4.5 points ahead of Red Bull-backed Isack Hadjar.
"This weekend will bring all sorts of challenges and excitement as we close out our season in Doha," said Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion. "These tracks are designed to allow for incredible racing, and I expect it to be an exhilarating finish."
Sky Sports F1's live coverage including the Qatar Grand Prix, F1 Academy Race Two, and F2 Feature Race, kickstarts on Sunday at 10:55 am.