Lewis Hamilton Surprised by Max Verstappen's Qatar GP Win, Title Race Tightens

Lewis Hamilton was genuinely surprised to discover that Max Verstappen had won the Qatar Grand Prix, a result that significantly tightened the F1 drivers' championship battle. Unaware of the final standings due to a lack of trackside screens, Hamilton learned post-race that Verstappen's victory placed him just 12 points behind Lando Norris, setting up a thrilling finale.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's surprise highlights a remarkably close championship fight that is flying under the radar, even for those actively competing in Formula 1. Verstappen's unexpected win in Qatar has dramatically altered the points standings, turning what seemed like a comfortable lead for Norris into a nail-biting, three-way contest for the title in the final race.

The Details:

• Hamilton's Unawareness: The Ferrari driver admitted he was oblivious to the race outcome until informed by media, citing a lack of viewing screens around the Lusail International Circuit. He suggested more screens would be "helpful" for drivers to follow the action.
• Championship Shake-up: Max Verstappen's victory in Qatar brought him to within 12 points of championship leader Lando Norris. Oscar Piastri is also in contention, sitting just four points behind Norris, creating a mere 16-point gap between the top three drivers heading into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• Hamilton's Reaction: Upon hearing the news, Hamilton exclaimed, "Max won? Oh shit, I didn't know, I had no idea!" He initially thought Oscar Piastri had won, expressing shock and excitement for the close title fight.
• Praise for Verstappen: Despite their past rivalry, Hamilton acknowledged Verstappen's performance, stating, "We all know Max does a great job." He also credited Red Bull, noting they've had "the best car really over the last four years," and praised Verstappen's ability to maximize its potential.

The Big Picture:

The 2024 season, once seemingly a clear path for Lando Norris, has now culminated in a dramatic, multi-driver championship battle. Verstappen's late-season surge, coupled with McLaren's strong but not dominant form, has reset expectations. This unpredictability is a boon for F1 fans, promising a memorable conclusion to the season.

What's next:

The F1 circus heads to the Yas Marina Circuit for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the 2024 drivers' championship will be decided. With Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri all mathematically in contention, the final race is poised to be an intense showdown, reminiscent of the 2021 title decider.