Dash qualifying in Qatar produced a end result that was not less than partially anticipated. McLaren led the pack with a cushty margin, whereas Ferrari lagged behind. Nonetheless, there have been surprises: with the cooler night situations, Mercedes (particularly George Russell’s automotive) got here alive, securing a front-row begin alongside pole-sitter Lando Norris, with the British driver simply 63 thousandths behind, whereas Max Verstappen’s Crimson Bull confirmed energy solely in ultra-high-speed corners. No shock from Sergio Perez, who as soon as once more appears more and more absent. This means an aerodynamic setup unable to deal with variations in circulate dynamics successfully. Let’s delve deeper into a number of the information.
The primary development noticeable within the opening corners of the observe mirrors what was noticed in apply: McLaren is persistently quicker by way of the primary 4 corners, indicating tires that come to life instantly on the Woking staff’s automotive. The low high pace additionally suggests a extremely aerodynamically loaded MCL38, with constant efficiency all through the lap because of wonderful tire temperature management and an optimum stability, even on Losail’s diversified corners. These corners function completely different speeds however lengthy arcs, difficult a automotive’s aerodynamic stability as the middle of aerodynamic strain shifts. Such shifts could cause oversteer or understeer inside a single lap. Nonetheless, McLaren’s spectacular aerodynamic bundle, below Andrea Stella’s management, seems immune to those points, not less than by way of pure one-lap efficiency.
Conversely, the identical problem appears to hinder Max Verstappen’s Crimson Bull, which excels, as anticipated, within the quickest corners however struggles considerably in medium and low-speed turns—the place probably the most time is commonly misplaced. This limitation may spell a difficult weekend for the newly topped four-time world champion, aside from tire administration. Not like Crimson Bull, Mercedes exhibited fluctuating efficiency however excelled notably in braking and mid-corner phases, particularly in corners 4 and 5, with minimal pace loss in flat-out sections on the 5.419-kilometre Lusail Worldwide Circuit. The traction and acceleration information additionally counsel a very high-strung Mercedes energy unit, a declare supported by George Russell’s feedback about being on the restrict within the quick third sector. Between corners 12 and 15, George Russell was the one driver to shift into eighth gear, demonstrating vital engine torque and fast battery consumption. This compelled him into recharge mode at Flip 15, costing him useful time and probably the pole place.
The explanations behind the SF-24’s drop in efficiency in comparison with the robust apply session are comparatively easy. A roughly 5-degree temperature drop since late afternoon altered the automotive’s aerodynamic stability. Whereas the rear finish and diffuser turned more practical, the entrance finish progressively misplaced grip, triggering understeer that the drivers couldn’t overcome. On a circuit with such nook sorts, this understeer severely compromised the automotive’s efficiency. It’s additionally possible that this impact compounded over the session, with the entrance sliding resulting in temperature mismanagement of the entrance tires. The frustration on the faces of Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, and staff principal Frederic Vasseur was comprehensible, because the SF-24 had exceeded expectations earlier within the day. Encountering such a persistent problem throughout qualifying was a bitter tablet for Ferrari’s camp.
Nonetheless, the SF-24 nonetheless confirmed promise, notably on medium and exhausting compounds, leaving room for optimism within the Dash and principal race. Furthermore, from a 2025 growth perspective, having a stable baseline stays a wonderful place to begin. Losail serves as a pure wind tunnel, testing automobiles below various yaw angles. The Dash shall be notably revealing concerning tire administration and the way setups evolve for the principle qualifying and race. In the end, this observe highlights the unimaginable grip ranges and cornering speeds achieved by present System 1 automobiles higher than most different circuits.
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
