As Formula One's oldest rivals, Ferrari and McLaren, head into the penultimate round of the season in Qatar, both teams are fighting to end long title droughts and reclaim their place at the top. McLaren, a team with a rich history of champions like Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen, and Lewis Hamilton, is eyeing its first constructors’ title since 1998. To claim the crown, they must outscore Ferrari by 21 points, and also prevent Red Bull from securing another championship double.
After Max Verstappen sealed his fourth consecutive drivers' title in Las Vegas, the focus shifts to Qatar, where Ferrari is hoping to close the gap to McLaren. Currently 24 points behind, Ferrari needs a strong finish to overtake their rivals and secure their first constructors' title since 2008. With 103 points still up for grabs, including the sprint race this weekend, both teams will have plenty of opportunity to make their moves.
The heat of Doha could give McLaren an advantage, with the team confident their car will perform better in the conditions compared to the cooler Las Vegas race. McLaren's Lando Norris, focused on the final two rounds, is optimistic about their prospects in Qatar. Meanwhile, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, fresh off a run of three podium finishes in four races, is determined to continue his strong form, knowing his time with the team is coming to an end as he prepares for a switch to Mercedes.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, currently battling McLaren's Norris for second place overall, faces a crucial weekend. With tensions rising after a difficult race in Las Vegas, where Leclerc expressed frustration over team dynamics, he is determined to keep his focus and ensure Ferrari stays competitive. The rivalry between these two teams will reach a boiling point in Qatar, with everything on the line as the season heads into its final stretch.
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