Verstappen aims for strong finish as Qatar Grand Prix battle heats up
Max Verstappen has already secured the 2024 Formula One championship, but the battle for second place and the Constructors' Championship remains intense. George Russell will start from pole position in Qatar after Verstappen received a one-place grid penalty for impeding him during qualifying. McLaren could win their first Constructors' Championship since 1998 today. They need to outscore Ferrari by at least 15 points or not be outscored by Red Bull by 23 points. Currently, McLaren leads with 623 points, followed by Ferrari with 593 points and Red Bull with 556 points. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem responded to drivers' concerns about financial transparency and staff changes, stating that drivers should focus on racing. He emphasized that the FIA is not in crisis and highlighted recent investments in grassroots racing.