Five Formula 1 Winners & Losers: Qatar Grand Prix

Photo from LAT Images

A champion was crowned, and not during an actual Grand Prix.

Strange!

But let’s just dive right into a crazy weekend in Qatar.

Losers

1. Fromula 1

I’m not even going to dive into holding a Grand Prix in Qatar.

I already discussed that during my World Cup preview.

But there’s a reason the World Cup hosted the tournament in November and December.

I know early October doesn’t seem crazy compared to that, but the temperature during the race Sunday, even at night, was 90 degrees Fahrenheit with 70% humidity.

Multiple drivers were reported to have fainted, Logan Sargeant suffered severe dehydration and Esteban Ocon apparently got sick on lap 15 but carried on and finished the race.

Having this race so before late November is a crucial error for Formula 1, and they should be heavily criticized for their lack of care towards driver safety.

Winners

5. Lance Stroll

Now, this will sound odd.

Stroll not only had a horrible qualifying, but he also had an altercation with his trainer, and a very short and aggressive interview.

It looked very out of character for him, and really looked like he was just completely defeated.

But he finished 11th in the race, which is a very good recovery.

It was good to see him shrug off a brutal weekend and bounce back decently.

Let’s hope it builds his confidence up as well.

4. McLaren

Another double podium for McLaren.

I’m prepared to say it.

They’re officially back.

3. George Russell

Russell was taken out on lap one by his teammate Lewis Hamilton, and all the way down in 18th after lap one.

He didn’t even have strategy to help either, as every car was required to make 3 pit stops due to tire wear (again, great job F1!).

But he still powered through the field and wound up 4th.

An excellent, excellent drive.

2. Esteban Ocon

As mentioned above, Ocon got sick on lap 15 and finished the race.

What I didn’t mention was that he finished 7th and in the points!

That’s awesome!

Also gross!

1. Max Verstappen

Juan Manuel Fangio.

Michael Schumacher.

Sebastian Vettel.

Lewis Hamilton.

In Formula 1, these are the 4 drivers who have won 3 championships in a row or more.

Now, Max Verstappen has joined that list.

And it’s no surprise at all.

There is no better driver in the world right now than him.

None.