Verstappen gets revenge and F1 star quits – International media reacts

The Qatar Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen take his ninth race win of the season as the Dutchman controlled a chaotic race around the Lusail International Circuit.

There was drama and battles throughout the grid and even after the race was told, there were further stories emerging with Alpine confirming Esteban Ocon’s immediate exit.

Disappointment befell Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton while Sergio Perez endured yet another difficult run out on the track.

What did the rest of the world make of the race? Find out as RacingNews365 takes you through the headlines of some of the biggest global publications.

🇬🇧 The Times – Victorious Verstappen gets revenge on ‘hysterical’ Russell

Starting in the United Kingdom, The Times focuses on the intriguing weekend-long battle that enraged between Verstappen and Russell.

Verstappen launched a public attack on Russell in Qatar after accusing the Mercedes driver of aggressively lobbying the stewards to issue Verstappen a grid penalty for driving too slowly during qualifying.

After the race, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner stated Russell was “hysterical” all weekend.

The Dutchman was indeed handed a one-place grid drop for the start of the race, with the two swapping positions on the front row.

Verstappen ultimately got his own back however, as he made quick work of Russell at the start of the grand prix before going on to seal the win.

🇮🇹 Corriere della Sera – The constructors’ championship is open

Naturally, Italian media focused on the constructors’ battle between Ferrari and McLaren.

McLaren looked on course to be putting one hand on the title ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

However, Norris’ penalty saw the Briton demoted back to 10th place, causing a massive swing in the constructors’ championship. Just 21 points separate the two teams ahead of the upcoming event.

While the odds are in McLaren’s favour, it won’t be a comfortable weekend for the squad as it looks to seal its first constructors’ title in 26 years.

Additionally, Ferrari has voiced optimism that the layout of the Yas Marina Circuit will suit the team better than Qatar…

🇦🇺 Herald Sun – F1 star quits on the spot, Aussie gets early debut

Another key story that emerged from the Qatar weekend was the fact it was Esteban Ocon’s final race in Alpine colours.

It soon became clear after his first lap crash that it was the last moment for him as part of Team Enstone ahead of his switch to Haas next year.

Ocon has departed the team early and in his place steps Jack Doohan, who will make his race debut later this week.

Doohan is already contracted to race for Alpine next year but will benefit from some end-of-year experience before the stakes are raised in 2025.

🇺🇸 The Washington Post – Penalties and a puncture leave Lewis Hamilton struggling again as his Mercedes exit nears

The Qatar Grand Prix was a painful one for Lewis Hamilton, which was his penultimate race for Mercedes.

The historic 11-year partnership will come to an end this weekend in Abu Dhabi but the seven-time world champion will be hoping for a stronger showing than the Lusail event.

A jump start, speeding in the pit lane and an untimely puncture left Hamilton crossing the line in 12th place.

It is a difficult end to what has been the most successful team/driver pairing in F1 history as Hamilton has continuously voiced his desire to reach the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi.

Thankfully for him, he will not have to wait much longer.

🇩🇪 BILD – This Formula 1 star should finally stop

German publication BILD has called on Sergio Perez to call time on his F1 career after another difficult showing in Qatar.

The Mexican has scored just 22 championship points since the summer break and there is mounting speculation he will be out of Red Bull at the end of the season.

Team principal Christian Horner even suggested in Qatar that Perez should reach his own conclusions regarding his future.

Either way, there is no doubt Perez will face even more questions regarding his future this weekend in Abu Dhabi.