Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday, taking advantage of a strategic misstep by McLaren that complicated the race for both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This outcome has now set the stage for a thrilling three-way championship showdown at next weekend’s final Formula 1 race of the 2025 season in Abu Dhabi.
Oscar Piastri secured second place, while Lando Norris, after a challenging final pit stop that left him stuck behind slower cars, finished in fourth. Despite the setback, Norris remains the championship leader with 408 points, though his margin has decreased. Verstappen follows closely with 396 points, and Piastri is not far behind at 392 points.
Verstappen celebrated his victory over team radio, thanking his team for the strategic decisions. “Really well done with the strategy, guys. We keep staying in it! That’s a very lovely race,” he remarked. This upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks a significant moment in F1 history, being the first title decider again since 2021 and the first since 2010 with more than two drivers still in contention for the championship.
The race format mandated that drivers complete a maximum of 25 laps on any tire, which required a minimum of two pit stops throughout the 57 laps. Early on, the race’s dynamics shifted dramatically at Lap 7 due to a safety car caused by a collision between Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly. While Verstappen took the opportunity to pit for new tires, McLaren’s decision to keep both cars out proved costly.
In his disappointment, Piastri expressed his frustration over the radio, stating, “Speechless. I don’t have any words.” Reflecting on the race, he acknowledged the team’s need to reassess their strategy. “Obviously a little bit tough to swallow at the moment,” he added in a post-race interview.
This victory marks the 70th win of Verstappen’s career, signifying a remarkable turnaround for him, especially after having trailed the championship leader by 104 points earlier in the season. Supporting Verstappen’s comeback were some critical misfortunes for McLaren, as both of their drivers faced disqualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix last week due to illegal plank wear. Had this not occurred, Norris’s fourth-place finish would have granted him the championship title already.
In the lead-up to the Qatar Grand Prix, Piastri had also triumphed in the sprint race on Saturday, where Norris finished third. This marked a turning point for Piastri, who had been struggling to finish on the podium since early September, during which Norris had made a significant comeback, closing a 34-point gap to take the championship lead.
The anticipation for next weekend’s finale in Abu Dhabi is palpable, as Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri prepare to battle it out for the prestigious championship, rekindling the excitement among fans and stakeholders alike.