Pressing Issues

McLaren vs Ferrari: Juggernauts Vying for Victory

Ferrari’s brief coming into the Qatar Grand Prix was clear – they needed to outscore McLaren to keep any hope of a Constructors Championship victory alive. They did just that, and now sit on 619 points – just 21 away from the Papaya outfit.

F1’s two most historic teams: with 24 previous Constructors Championships between them, both go into Abu Dhabi hoping to add to this tally.

The challenge Ferrari face for the Yas Marina Circuit is that the title is not in their hands. Even if they finish 1-2 with fastest lap (44 points), they need McLaren to score less than 23 points to overtake them in the standings.

If McLaren were to have a car retire, or have both cars finish outside the top 5, the Scuderia could seal the title.

Many eyes on Sunday will focus on this battle, and with McLaren expected to continue the strong pace they have grown familiar with, it could prove to be an uphill struggle for Ferrari.

Hamilton vs Mercedes: End of an Era

Lewis Hamilton probably fancies bypassing his last race at the team which has brought him six world championships and at a track he has won at 5 times in the past.

He pleaded to “retire the car” over the radio after a difficult day in Qatar, and has appeared fed up with his current situation for weeks.

Given Hamilton’s plan to join Ferrari in the new year, it makes sense that Mercedes have slowly phased him out. Any information or upgrades Hamilton receives now will only be passed onto Ferrari when the 39-year-old arrives in Maranello.

The Brit has really struggled for pace in recent weeks which can likely be attributed to both driver and team – a mix of Hamilton’s efforts and Mercedes’ attention to him equally fading.

As a result, how Hamilton bows out at the Silver Arrows will be worth keeping a close eye on in Abu Dhabi. Regardless of race outcome, Hamilton and Mercedes has been the most successful partnership ever in Formula 1.

Alpine vs Haas: Millions Up For Grabs

While Ferrari vs McLaren will take all the headlines heading into the weekend, the battle for sixth place in the Constructors Championship will hold equal importance to everyone associated with Alpine or Haas.

The two teams sit just five points apart: 59 and 54 respectively, and there is an estimated $10 million difference between sixth and seventh in the standings. This money could prove vital for either team’s hopes for next season.

Alpine are still riding high after their double podium in Brazil catapulted them up the Constructors Standings, and with 43 points in their last 3 races compared to Haas’ 10, they will head to the season finale confident of securing their prize money.

2 points for Kevin Magnussen in Qatar means that Haas won’t count themselves out; they’ll no doubt be ready to pounce on any openings that are presented to them.