Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit is known as a high-energy fast and flowing circuit, with sequences of medium and high-speed long-radius corners linked by full-throttle blasts.
As such, the venue’s 5.4 km layout is perhaps similar to Zandvoort in terms of downforce levels.
But while the emphasis is on a car’s balance and set-up, strong velocity is still a good asset as the track’s main straight – and only straight – is the only place that provides drivers with the momentum they need to execute a good overtaking maneuver into Turn 1.
Two observations come to mind when glancing at the speed trap data from qualifying. While Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso is granted bragging rights for topping the session in terms of maximum velocity, Max Verstappen’s position among the ‘fast and furious’ is noteworthy.
Red Bull’s ‘kitchen sink’ set-up changes – as Christian Horner called them – between Saturday’s Sprint event and qualifying have significantly improved the balance and aero efficiency of Red Bull’s car, but without sacrificing the RB20’s top speed capabilities.
This compromise, allied with optimal tyre management, should prove very useful for Verstappen in Sunday’s race.
The second observation takes us down to the lower tier group of runners, in which both McLaren drivers are found.
On Friday, Lando Norris claimed pole in sprint qualifying while losing the most time on the straights on any driver.
In qualifying, Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri were again among the laggards in terms of maximum velocity. The obvious takeaway is that McLaren’s MCL38 is – and not for the first time – in a high-drag configuration this weekend. It’s basically fast everywhere except on the straight.
Regarding tyres, barring anything out of the norm happening, Pirelli is predicting a one-stop race, and sees its Medium compound as the favoured choice at the start, with a pit stop to take on Hards in a window between laps 16 and 24.
Front-row men Russell and Verstappen will be leading the charge at the outset. But it’s unclear if Ferrari’s drivers will be able to get themselves immediately in the mix, with a McLaren barrage just ahead.
Up front, Russell and Verstappen should be battling for supremacy from the outset, while behind, a frustrating DRS train is likely to form. And whenever there’s frustration, there’s opportunity for chaos.
Drivers will be pushing the limits to break free, risking wheel-to-wheel clashes and potential errors under pressure.
The high-speed nature of Lusail, combined with closely matched cars, could turn frustration into dramatic overtakes – or costly mistakes.
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