Formula 1 returns to the Middle East this weekend as Lusail hosts the next round of the calendar, joining Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi as one of four regional venues that regularly welcome the world’s fastest racing. The week ahead centers on Max Verstappen and Red Bull as the Dutch driver edges closer to another championship, with the title picture tightening with every lap. Expect a dramatic sprint to the finish, even before the main race on Sunday.
Two years ago, Lusail staged its inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix with a spectacular podium that foreshadowed a season of intense competition. The young champion Verstappen and the seasoned two-time world champion Fernando Alonso were among the leaders on track, while Britain’s Lewis Hamilton chased a record-tying title. This weekend, Verstappen remains the frontrunner for a third consecutive crown, a feat that could be sealed earlier than Sunday if circumstances align in his favor.
Verstappen has won 13 of the first 16 races this season, and the points gap means two victories remain plausible in Qatar. Mathematics still place Verstappen on the cusp of the championship, with his teammate Sergio Pérez riding a strong points tally as well. If the sprint format on Saturday delivers a top-six finish for Verstappen, the championship could be decided before the main Sunday event, depending on how the weekend unfolds.
Qatar returns to the schedule after sitting out last year to host the FIFA World Cup. The Lusail circuit is set to remain a mainstay on the calendar for the foreseeable future, continuing to provide a challenging combination of long straights, tight corners, and high-speed sections that test both driver and machine alike.
Saudi Arabia’s race, held in Jeddah, contributed to a year noted for its dramatic title fight, with Hamilton’s late-season surge pushing the championship drama to the limit. Verstappen has faced several close calls, and the season’s late races have underscored how every point can matter in the chase for the crown.
Bahrain has long served as a proving ground and has witnessed a string of memorable races and podiums. The region’s return to a full calendar has reinforced its status as a premier stop for F1 teams, with Fernando Alonso showing championship credentials in the Aston Martin lineup and Sergio Pérez continuing to be a critical factor for Red Bull. The Sakhir circuit has hosted many pivotal moments since the season’s start, including the first of Pérez’s multiple wins and the ongoing evolution of the championship battle.
Abu Dhabi, as the final venue on the calendar, has historically delivered dramatic finales. The Yas Marina Circuit has seen winners crowned in moments of pressure, and last year’s race again highlighted the ongoing competition between Verstappen and Hamilton, with Ferrari, Mercedes, and other teams keeping the fight alive until the very end. The circuit’s design and the late-year atmosphere have made Abu Dhabi a favorite for fans seeking a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Looking ahead, Verstappen’s form has been exceptional, and his pace on both streets and circuits remains a defining feature of the 2024 campaign. The closely contested battles with his rivals, especially Perez, have kept the championship picture volatile and highly entertaining. The upcoming weekend in Qatar promises a blend of strategy, speed, and nerves, as teams balance risk and reward while chasing a title that would cement Verstappen’s place among the sport’s greats. This weekend, and perhaps for the next nine seasons, Lusail will stay in the international spotlight as the stage for some of Formula 1’s most consequential moments. [Source: Formula 1 World Championship records]