F1 will head to the Lusail International Circuit this weekend to host the annual Qatar Grand Prix. The track debuted on the calendar during the 2021 season and extended its contract with the sport until 2033.
Although Red Bull driver Max Verstappen wrapped up the driver's championship last weekend in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Lusail race could prove pivotal in the battle for the Constructor's Championship.
McLaren currently leads Ferrari by 24 points in the standings and Red Bull by 53 points with two races and one Sprint remaining in the 2024 season. With its long medium-speed corners and relentless speed, the weekend could be difficult for the drivers given they struggled with the temperatures last year.
As per Weather.com, below is the weather forecast for the 2024 F1 Qatar Grand Prix:
Friday - FP1 and Sprint Qualifying
Forecast: Windy conditions with clear skies.
Temperature: 23C / 74F
Chance of precipitation: Less than 5%
Saturday - Sprint and Qualifying
Forecast: Clear skies and with no chances of rain.
Temperature: 24C / 76F
Chance of precipitation: Less than 5%
Sunday - Race
Forecast: Clear skies with gusty winds.
Temperature: 25C / 77F
Chance of precipitation: <5%
Carlos Sainz provides a gloomy outlook for the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has said he believes the Qatar Grand Prix weekend could be challenging as the SF-24 does not suit the track characteristics of the Lusail International Circuit. The Italian team would have two opportunities to score as many points as possible given it is the final sprint weekend of the 2024 season.
In his post-race press conference in Las Vegas, the Spanish driver said:
"We just need to go into that trying to maximize whatever we have. I think over the last few weekends we've done a good job. In Qatar, the maximum might be a P5 or a P6 because in that car, with this car on a track like Qatar, I expect to struggle and I expect McLaren and Mercedes to be very strong, probably also even Red Bull, given that they were strong also in quali in Austin.
So yeah, I think it's going to be a very challenging weekend for us. That's why today it was important for us to get the maximum number of points available, and we kind of did that for the pace that we had."
The medium and fast corners should suit the McLaren MCL38 to the tee since it has produced more efficient downforce than the Prancing Horses helping extend its lead in the championship. Last year in the Qatar Grand Prix, McLaren clinched a double podium with Oscar Piastri leading Lando Norris.