Qatar Grand Prix preview

The final Formula One Grand Prix of the 2024 season is nearly upon us, as the teams head over to Qatar and the Losail Circuit for the penultimate fixture.

With the Drivers’ Championship sewn up in the most recent race in Las Vegas, there is still a lot at stake for several teams across the Constructors’ standings.

We preview the penultimate Formula One race of the season, the Qatar Grand Prix.

Bet on the Qatar Grand Prix here with William Hill

Looking back on Las Vegas

In what was the deciding race of the Formula One calendar in many aspects, the race promised action in the build-up, and action we got. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was crowned the World Champion for a fourth season running, in what was a season that wasn’t all plain sailing for the Dutchman.

He saw off the challenge of Brit Lando Norris, who looked a serious threat at one point, and secured his fourth championship in the Red Bull car. He had to better Norris’ finishing position in the race and better he did, finishing fifth to keep the McLaren driver at bay. On paper, it looks another dominant victory for Verstappen but there have been twists and turns in his 2024 Championship story, it wasn’t always straightforward. Verstappen had to dig in at points to see it out, which is encouraging for Red Bull and their driver that he’s shown he can win that way, but his frailties have been exposed, and lots of drivers will fancy their chances next year.

Looking ahead to Qatar

Despite the winner of the Drivers’ Championship being decided in Vegas, there is still a lot to play for the remaining two races, with the Constructors’ race still in the balance for several teams. A singular place in the Championship is the difference between millions of prize money, so all teams will still be flat out in Qatar this weekend.

Lando Norris heads the market at 9/4 with champion Max Verstappen next at 7/2, it may be worth considering other options who offer some each-way value.

Mercedes drivers George Russell and Sir Lewis Hamilton finished in that order at the top of the podium last week, with the Brit manufacturer and their drivers looking extremely quick, it’s been an in-and-out season for Mercedes, they have improved on their drop off last season but they still have a way to go to reach the levels that saw Hamilton so dominant in the Mercedes. There are definite reasons to be enthused based on recent results and the price of the pair looks sporting enough for an each-way bet at 6/1 apiece.

A good way of getting the two of the drivers onside could be the 4/1 about them to finish on the podium as well, with the pair locked in a private battle for bragging rights in the Drivers’ Championship with Russell slightly edging Hamilton by nine points, as it currently stands.

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