Max Verstappen shifts focus to constructors' championship after fourth title win

In Qatar, newly-crowned world champion Max Verstappen will concentrate on the constructors' championship, particularly as Red Bull aims to reclaim their title. Having secured his fourth championship just five days earlier in Las Vegas, Verstappen returns to racing with a sense of freedom and ambition. Facing stiff competition from McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes, he hopes to replicate last year's success when he dominated the Qatar Grand Prix. Current standings show McLaren leading with 608 points, followed closely by Ferrari at 584 and Red Bull at 555. With two races remaining, including a sprint race, the upcoming events hold considerable stakes for constructors' earnings and honor, with top teams vying for increased prize money and prestige. Amidst shifting dynamics in F1, competitors like George Russell express confidence in challenging the reigning champion, emphasizing that no driver remains unbeatable. The constructors' championship is highly regarded within the paddock, as it also represents a significant financial prize that influences teams' future strategies. The importance of this upcoming race is underscored by Verstappen's comments, affirming the need to maintain momentum as the season progresses, despite some challenges faced earlier in the year. The evolving competitive landscape of Formula 1 also introduces new dynamics, particularly with upcoming entrants like General Motors' Cadillac, which will further complicate the Championship outlook starting in 2026.