From Left: Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg and Alfa Romeo’s Guanyu Zhou during a press conference at the Lusail International Circuit yesterday, ahead of the Formula One Qatar Grand Prix. (Reuters)
Qatar opened its door of the renovated Lusail International Circuit to the Formula One jamboree on Thursday, as the drivers and team officials were in awe of the state-of-the art venue.
Starting from today until Sunday, all eyes will be on the Lusail Circuit, which will be hosting Qatar’s second F1 Grand Prix. There was excitement and admiration in equal measure at the paddock yesterday as the drivers and fans had first-hand view of the redesigned circuit complex.
While the fast-flowing popular circuit remains the same, the facilities have been upgraded to meet Formula 1’s standards, with new pits and paddock complex while the spectator capacity has been beefed up to 52,000.
This year’s Grand Prix will mark the first in a 10-season deal between Formula 1 and Qatar, sealing Lusail’s place on the calendar for the long run. While Red Bull have wrapped up the constructors title already, its driver Max Verstappen is on the cusp of winning his third straight title even before the main race on Sunday. The Dutchman, who has been relentlessly dominant this season, will secure the title with six rounds remaining if he finishes sixth or higher in the sprint race tomorrow.
Sergio Perez is the only driver that can mathematically still beat his teammate, but even if he wins the Sprint and Verstappen fails to score, the 26-year-old will still clinch the title with a top-eight finish on Sunday.
Still there are plenty of variables to look out for at the Lusail Circuit this weekend, with its demanding and twisty track allowing the possibility of throwing up a surprise or two. The shootout is going to be a challenge as it takes place in the daytime conditions, before the Sprint itself under the lights. This is the first Sprint weekend to feature a day-night setting, so it should add another element into the mix for the teams to get to grips with.
Verstappen, who has had the fastest car with Red Bull, though will be outright favourite to win a remarkable 14th Grand Prix out of the 17 this season. To Page 12 Sport Page 4
