Leclerc Found Qatar GP Exciting Calculating F1 Title Scenarios

Charles Leclerc openly admitted that the most thrilling aspect of his Qatar Grand Prix weekend wasn't his own performance, but rather the intense calculations he was making in his head regarding the championship points battle between Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen.

Why it matters:

Leclerc's candid remarks highlight the high stakes of the 2024 F1 season's climax. For a driver who's usually in the thick of the action, his focus shifting to the championship mathematics for other contenders underscores the gripping nature of the title fight. It also offers a rare glimpse into a top driver's perspective when their own race isn't going as planned, finding engagement in the broader championship narrative.

The details:

• Difficult Weekend for Ferrari: Leclerc and his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton had a challenging Qatar GP, with Leclerc finishing eighth and Hamilton 12th. Leclerc struggled with confidence and pace throughout the race.
• Championship Stakes: The F1 Drivers' Championship battle is incredibly close heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi. Lando Norris currently leads with 12 points over Max Verstappen, while Oscar Piastri is just four points behind Verstappen.
• Qatar GP Missed Opportunity for McLaren: Piastri, starting from pole, lost the race win to Verstappen. McLaren's decision not to pit either Piastri or Norris under an early safety car potentially cost them a chance to distance themselves further from Verstappen in the standings.
• Leclerc's Engagement: Despite his own struggles, Leclerc found the race captivating, confessing, "I could follow on the screen a little bit of that and was trying to do the math in my head, and at least that was the most exciting part of my race."
• Prediction for Abu Dhabi: Leclerc believes the title fight will likely come down to Norris and Verstappen, but he acknowledges that with such tight margins and high tension, "anything can happen," including incidents playing a significant role.

The big picture:

The 2024 F1 season is culminating in one of the most exciting championship battles in recent memory. While Red Bull has dominated constructors' titles in recent years, a three-way fight for the drivers' championship between Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen adds immense drama. Leclerc's comments reflect the collective excitement within the paddock and among fans for a true 'down to the wire' finish.

What's next:

All eyes now turn to the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Yas Marina Circuit will host the ultimate showdown, where Lando Norris will aim to secure his maiden F1 title against a formidable challenge from Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. Leclerc, while not in the title fight, hopes for a more competitive weekend for himself, wishing he could be part of such a thrilling championship battle.