Max Verstappen Wins Qatar Grand Prix 2024

The 2024 Formula 1® Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix wrapped up with a bang at the Lusail International Circuit, with Max Verstappen claiming his second consecutive victory. The weekend event, attended by Qatar’s Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, drew an impressive 155,000 fans over three days, marking a milestone in Qatar’s motorsport history.  

High-Stakes Action on the Track  

The event began with the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East race, where Janne Stiak (DHL Team) topped the leaderboard, followed by James Wallis (Porsche Junior GB) and Angus Whiteside (Proton Huber Competition). Local talent Abdulla Al Khelaifi continued to shine in the ProAm category, securing fourth overall.  

The FIA Formula 2™ Feature Race brought thrilling competition, with Paul Aron (Hitech Pulse-Eight) clinching victory in 55:45.433. He was followed by Isack Hadjar (Campos Racing) and Gabriel Bortoleto (Invicta Racing), despite a penalty for the latter.  

Main Event: Verstappen Dominates  

As night fell, the 57-lap F1® Grand Prix took center stage. Verstappen, starting second after a grid penalty, took control from the first turn, finishing in 1:31:05.323. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc claimed second (+6.031 seconds), while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri completed the podium (+6.819 seconds).  

Drama unfolded as pole-sitter George Russell settled for fourth, and McLaren’s Lando Norris, running second for much of the race, dropped to tenth after a penalty for a yellow flag violation.  

A Weekend of Celebrations

The festivities included a stirring national anthem performance by the Qatar Music Academy and an electrifying post-race concert by Maroon 5. The Grammy-winning band capped the event with a medley of hits, lighting up an already vibrant atmosphere.  

Fireworks filled the Lusail night sky as fans celebrated an unforgettable weekend, solidifying Qatar’s growing reputation as a global hub for motorsport excellence.