Verstappen Triumphs Again in Qatar, Sets Sights on Abu Dhabi Finale

Max Verstappen secured a commanding victory at the Qatar Grand Prix for the second consecutive year, showcasing his skill and the Red Bull team’s adaptability. Reflecting on the race, Verstappen expressed satisfaction with his performance and the car’s improvement since qualifying.

“It was a very good race,” he stated. “Yesterday in qualifying, the car felt significantly better, and today, the first stint was incredibly fast. Lando [Norris] and I were within 1.8 seconds of each other throughout, constantly pushing each other. Honestly, it was a lot of fun out there.”

Verstappen highlighted the unique challenges and excitement of the Qatar track. “This track offers a lot of grip, and the tyres held up remarkably well this year. It was enjoyable to push them hard, especially during that extended first stint. Later, with multiple safety car interventions, there were moments that required caution, but overall, I’m thrilled with how we performed.”

Acknowledging his team’s effort, Verstappen added, “It’s been a while since we’ve had such a strong drive. To be this competitive is a testament to everyone in the team. Turning things around within a day is no small feat, and they truly deserve this victory.”

Discussing the impact of the safety cars, he noted, “The hard tyres offered minimal grip initially, and with the safety car in play, warming them up was almost impossible. Out of the last corner, I had no rear grip, which made traction challenging and led to a ‘spicy’ moment into Turn One. Still, those moments add to the excitement. After that, it was about maintaining pace until the end.”

Looking ahead to the final race in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen remained optimistic. “The last three years have been strong for us there, so I’m hopeful we can be competitive again. We’ll focus on optimizing the car and aiming for another win to close the season on a high note.”