Intense battle expected behind Verstappen: 'Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren'

It seems like an open door: Max Verstappen is the main contender for victory on both Saturday and Sunday in Qatar. Behind the Red Bull Racing driver, however, an intense battle could just play out, predicts former Formula 1 driver Mika Hakkinen.

What can McLaren do behind dominant Verstappen?

"On a quick, flowing track there is no doubt that Max Verstappen will be going flat out to win the 2023 World Championship this weekend," states the two-time world champion in his column for Unibet. Behind Verstappen, however, he expects an exciting battle to unfold. "The fight for the remaining podium places in both the sprint race on Saturday and the Sunday's Grand Prix is going to be intense."

In 2021, Lewis Hamilton dominated the race at the Losail International Circuit, but Mercedes need not count on a repeat, according to Hakkinen. "Mercedes will face a strong challenge from McLaren and Ferrari behind Max’s dominant Red Bull," predicts the former McLaren driver.

The recent form of McLaren, which saw both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finish on the podium in the Japanese GP, brings back good memories for the Finn. "It's great to see McLaren fighting for a podiums again. I'm sure a win is not far away. They are ready for it," Hakkinen said.