Alonso Predicts Championship-Altering Contact at Qatar GP Start

Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion, is forecasting significant contact at the start of the Qatar Grand Prix, specifically involving the championship contenders. This prediction comes as Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen, the top three in qualifying, prepare to battle for crucial points in a tightly contested championship race.

Why it matters:

Alonso's prediction of early race contact among the front-runners could dramatically alter the championship standings. With only two races left after Qatar, any incident involving Piastri, Norris, or Verstappen could prove decisive in determining the 2024 Formula 1 champion, intensifying an already thrilling season climax.

The details:

• Alonso's Bold Prediction: Speaking to DAZN, Fernando Alonso stated, "I think there will be some contact during the start. This is my prediction." When pressed if this would occur at the front, he confirmed, "Yes."
• Championship Contenders' Grid Positions: The top three in Saturday's qualifying — Oscar Piastri (pole), Lando Norris (second), and Max Verstappen (third) — are the main championship contenders, setting the stage for a tense start.
• Championship Standings: Entering the penultimate race, Norris holds a 22-point lead over Piastri and a 25-point lead over Verstappen, highlighting the high stakes for all three drivers.
• Alonso's Race Prospects: Alonso, starting eighth after scoring two points in the Sprint, acknowledges the challenge of scoring points in the main race due to Aston Martin's stronger one-lap performance compared to race pace. He anticipates falling to ninth or tenth by the end of Lap 1.
  • He told GPblog: "It's going to be difficult to win the points but we will try. We start on the wrong side of the grid so even if I start eighth, in my mind it's ninth or tenth by the end of Lap 1... it's not guaranteed a point."

What's next:

The Qatar Grand Prix is set to be a pivotal race, especially given Alonso's pre-race comments. All eyes will be on the opening lap to see if his prediction of contact among the championship leaders comes to fruition, potentially reshaping the title fight. The outcome will set the stage for a thrilling season finale, with every point and every incident carrying immense weight.