McLaren and Ferrari will continue their battle for the Formula 1 constructors’ title at the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend. Max Verstappen may have sealed the drivers’ championship, but there could still be drama in the last two races.
Arguably the two most iconic teams in Formula 1, both are enduring long title droughts. McLaren haven’t won the teams’ championship in the 21st century, while Ferrari last triumphed in 2008.
The Woking outfit lead heading to Lusail, but their advantage fell to 22 points in Las Vegas. They couldn’t cope with the unusually cold temperatures, limiting Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to sixth and seventh.
Ferrari were third and fourth through Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, but the race was overshadowed by Leclerc’s furious team radio outburst. They were also optimistic of a victory, but Mercedes surprised the paddock by leading the way.
Qatar is another night race, but it’s on the other end of the scale temperature-wise. It will still be 21 degrees when the lights go out at 7pm local time on Sunday.
It’s also a long, sweeping layout, as opposed to the tight and technical configuration of the Vegas street circuit. And then there’s the added complication of the Sprint race.
‘Legend’ Pass for Qatar Grand Prix costs five-figure fee
One of the most expensive tickets available for the race is the three-day Legends Pass. Customers can watch the race from a Paddock Club balcony on top of the F1 pit lane.
The package also includes ‘expertly-curated menus’, unlimited drinks, a pit-lane walk and access to an interview with an ‘F1 insider’. That could be an F1 legend, team member, media personality or safety car driver Bernd Maylander.
Guests will be able to enter the paddock on one of the days and access the area beneath the podium for Sunday’s celebrations. To earn these privileges, they will have to shell out £9,434.
The Sprint race will at least offer more action than a customary Grand Prix weekend. There will be one hour of practice before the meaningful sessions begin on Friday night.
How much Qatar Grand Prix F1 tickets cost
Verstappen won the Qatar GP last year, leading home McLaren duo Piastri and Norris. He sealed the title in the Sprint despite suffering an exceedingly rare defeat to Piastri, who secured his first win of any description.
Qatar made its debut on the F1 calendar during the 2021 season, with Lewis Hamilton taking victory. Verstappen has been dominant in Lusail since.
Of course, the vast majority of attendees won’t have Paddock Club access and will instead be buying more conventional three-day tickets. If they want to sit in the Main Grandstand on the start/finish straight, they can expect to pay around £475.
