Doha Grand Prix in Qatar, Sunday
Mexico was spectacular, Brazil was an incredible tactical thriller – and now it comes down to a showdown in the third leg of Formula 1’s tripleheader.
However, no one is favourite on this track, because Qatar is a first for everyone. For the first time, the Losail International Circuit in Doha will also see exciting racing action in the premier class of motorsport.
Nevertheless, in my Formula 1 prediction for the Qatar Grand Prix, I believe in another victory for Mercedes.
The world championship battle is entering the decisive phase. There are three races to go and the two rivals are now separated by just 14 points after Hamilton’s victory in Brazil.
The reigning world champion showed in Sao Paulo what is possible with a new engine. Starting from 10th place, Hamilton drove to P1 and thus again has every chance of winning his eighth title.
Although he collected a total of 25 places penalty during the weekend, the Mercedes driver showed with all his experience and driving skills that his seven world championship titles do not come by chance.
Verstappen, on the other hand, had no chance against the power of Mercedes despite fighting back in Brazil. The Dutchman still has a comfortable lead, but without a new engine he is at a big disadvantage in the direct duel.
The world championship battle is entering the decisive phase. Three races to go and the two rivals are now separated by just 14 points after Hamilton’s victory in Brazil.
The reigning world champion showed in Sao Paulo what is possible with a new engine. Starting from 10th place, Hamilton drove to P1 and thus again has every chance of winning his eighth title.
Although he collected a total of 25 places penalty during the weekend, the Mercedes driver showed with all his experience and driving skills that his seven world championship titles do not come by chance.
Verstappen, on the other hand, had no chance against the power of Mercedes despite fighting back in Brazil. The Dutchman still has a comfortable lead, but without a new engine he is at a huge disadvantage in the direct duel.
Because pace could make the difference in the end, if you look at the track layout. With the long start – finish straight, which is over 1 km long, Mercedes has the clear advantage with the better power unit.
However, the fast and medium fast corners are more to the liking of the Red Bull, which is why it is not yet possible to say whether this track is more to the liking of the Mercedes or the Red Bull car.
In addition, this track is not considered to be overtaking-friendly, there is only a possibility at turn 1, otherwise it is rather difficult to make up places due to the many fast and tight corners.
Another challenge will be the track limits in all corners. Due to the partly very short curbs, some drivers already had problems in the practice sessions to drive a valid lap.
This was also evident in qualifying. Sergio Perez in particular had major problems with the car and only finished in a disappointing 11th place. That will be a disadvantage for Red Bull, as Bottas drove to P3 behind Hamilton and Verstappen.
Hamilton, meanwhile, drove another incredible lap time to take pole, so Verstappen will have to hope for a strong start from P2 to get past his rival.
Mercedes’ dominance is also reflected in the Formula 1 betting odds for the Qatar Grand Prix. With odds of 1.35, Hamilton is the clear favourite with the bookies.
Verstappen, on the other hand, gets more attractive odds of around 4.00 from bookmakers with a German licence.
Summary: Mercedes has a clear advantage from P1 and P3. Not least because overtaking will be very difficult on this track, Verstappen fights against the Mercedes bolides with blunt weapons.
Hamilton’s race pace is incredible – and Perez from P11 won’t be much help to Verstappen. On top of that, it’s a completely new track, with only the start and turn one inviting overtaking. Still, with the fast corners, it could be a spectacle.
However, anything other than a Mercedes win would be a big surprise. The start will be more decisive than ever, whoever is in front there will win the race in the end.
My betting tip is therefore quite clear due to the incredible pace: Lewis Hamilton wins the race and gets the fastest race lap. The best odds of 2.75 come from Bet365
