Qatar GP: Formula 1 focus shifts as McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull fight for constructors’ title
McLaren, who lead Ferrari by 24 points with Max Verstappen’s Red Bull a further 29 back, could seal their first crown since 1998 on Sunday
Max Verstappen won big in Las Vegas with his fourth title, but the fight for Formula One’s biggest cash prize is hotting up this week in Qatar.
The lucrative constructors’ championship is still wide open with McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull battling for the title. The contest for teams is worth around US$140 million to the winner, though the precise payout depends on variables.
This weekend in Qatar, a sprint race on Saturday means extra points are on offer – a maximum of 59 for a team over the whole weekend.
McLaren lead by 24 points from Ferrari, with Verstappen’s Red Bull 29 further back. McLaren could seal their first constructors’ crown since 1998 this Sunday, wrapping up the title ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi next week, but would probably need either a perfect weekend or for Ferrari to encounter problems.
McLaren’s bid is the new focus for Lando Norris after his challenge for the drivers’ title ended last week in Las Vegas.
Norris on Thursday dismissed a reported claim from Verstappen that he could have won the crown earlier in a McLaren and suggested the Dutch driver try “comedy”.
