How McLaren Can Win the 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship in Qatar

McLaren is on the verge of clinching its first Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship since 1998, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri leading the charge. After an incredible season, McLaren has secured five wins with the MCL38 and is poised to take the title for the first time in over two decades. Here’s what McLaren needs to do at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix to secure its first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years.

McLaren’s Current Position: A Strong Lead

Heading into the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, McLaren is in a strong position, holding a 24-point lead over Ferrari. With 103 points still available this season, spanning across the Qatar Grand Prix, the Qatar Sprint, and the season finale in Abu Dhabi, McLaren has everything to play for. Notably, McLaren secured a 1-3 finish in last year’s Qatar Sprint, giving them an additional advantage heading into the weekend.

Key Scenarios for McLaren to Secure the Title

Maximizing Points in Qatar:
McLaren must capitalize on every point available this weekend. The Qatar Sprint offers 15 points, and securing a strong finish in the main race could significantly close the gap to the title. A win in both events would vastly improve McLaren’s chances.

Minimizing Ferrari’s Gains:
Ferrari is McLaren’s closest rival, having reduced McLaren’s lead by 12 points at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, bringing the gap to just 24 points. To maintain their advantage going into the final race, McLaren needs to outscore Ferrari in both the sprint and main race.

Red Bull’s Decline:
Though Red Bull remains in contention, they are 53 points behind McLaren. With Sergio Perez’s recent form slump, it is unlikely that Red Bull will mount a serious challenge for the title. The Qatar Grand Prix provides McLaren with the opportunity to increase their gap over the competition.

Strong Performances from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri:
Both Norris and Piastri have been in top form throughout the season. McLaren’s best chance of winning the Constructors’ Championship depends on both drivers continuing to deliver consistent, high-scoring performances. Norris, in particular, has shown he can challenge the top teams, while Piastri has made significant strides throughout the season, making McLaren a formidable force on the track.

What McLaren Needs to Do in Qatar

To secure the 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship in Qatar, McLaren must:

• Finish ahead of Ferrari in both the main race and sprint, maximizing points in both events.
• Extend their lead over Ferrari by securing high-scoring positions.
• Ensure Red Bull’s deficit continues to grow, leaving them out of title contention.

By securing a strong finish in the Qatar Grand Prix, McLaren could be on the brink of achieving its first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years, crowning a remarkable comeback for the historic team.