Mika Hakkinen: Max’s professional growth is impressive

Mika Hakkinen, two-time world champion, summarized the main results of the weekend in Las Vegas and shared his predictions for the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix…

Before the start of the weekend in Qatar I must congratulate Max Verstappen on his fourth world title – this is a truly remarkable achievement after a season in which the Red Bull car was not the fastest.

Sure, his early season wins gave him a comfortable lead, but it’s hard to believe he hasn’t won a race for four months, from Barcelona to Sao Paulo.

In some ways this was Max’s best championship, as he often had to accept that he could not win the race, but he did everything he could not to lose his lead – Max reached the podium or at least earned enough points to keep his Don’t let rivals overtake him.

Winning races is one thing, but to win the world championship you need a different mental attitude, when stability becomes the most important factor, when you know at what point you can fall behind to save the car, but still earn more points.

I also find Max’s professional growth impressive, he has developed into a real team leader. He helped Red Bull Racing win the title, despite the fact that the car was not very stable this season, the team experienced internal discord and Sergio Perez had problems, which prevented him from helping his partner on track.

Naturally, Max has improved his skill level and become a versatile racer.

It is unlikely that Lando Norris assumed at the start of the season that he was destined to become Verstappen’s main rival, but the McLaren driver drove well and should not be too upset about missing out on the title. He still has plenty of time and I think this year has taught both Lando and his team a lot.

Assuming McLaren can continue to effectively modernize the car in 2025, it will not be easy for Verstappen to dominate the first half of the championship next season. I predict that Norris and Oscar Piastri, his partner, will claim victories from Melbourne.

The pressure promises to be high

It is hot in Qatar and a year ago the riders had a very difficult time there. This year the race has been postponed to a later date, but one thing is certain: it will not be as cold as in Las Vegas! In addition, the weekend program includes a sprint, which will give the teams little time to prepare for the short race and qualifying scheduled for the Grand Prix on Saturday and Sunday. The pressure promises to be high.

The cold weather last weekend was one of the reasons why the Mercedes team was so competitive that it surprised itself and its rivals. Her high results became a striking example of how efficiently a car on Pirelli tires can run if you manage to get the settings just right.

The Losail circuit offers high speeds, fast corners and no heavy braking points. Although Mercedes are confident that this track is suitable for their car, and Lewis Hamilton won the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix, I believe McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull will fight for the win.

The world champion has already been determined, but the intense rivalry in the team competition continues. The size of the payments each team receives from the Formula 1 prize fund depends on its results in the Constructors’ Championship. McLaren is only 24 points ahead of Ferrari. The British team is able to maintain its lead, but cannot afford to suffer serious problems or retreat.

At the same time, there is a very intense battle for 6th place in the Constructors’ Championship. Three teams – Haas, Alpine and RB are only four points apart, while the issue price is very high and whoever wins will receive an additional 20-30 million in prize money!

Mika’s prediction

Max has already secured the title so he can relax, but if the car allows it he will continue to claim victories and now he can afford to take more risks. Last year he won the race in Qatar. But the real battle will be between the McLaren and Ferrari drivers.

I expect that Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc will try to give everything in the battle for victory after a not so good weekend in Las Vegas. But Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz will also not be left behind and will try to help their teams earn as many points as possible.