Verstappen wins in Qatar keeping his championship hopes alive with a decisive victory in the Qatar Grand Prix, beating Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz as Lando Norris finished only fourth. What should have been McLaren’s strongest weekend of the year unravelled the moment they chose not to pit under the early Safety Car, a strategy call that handed Verstappen control of the race.
The result closes the championship gap to just 12 points, with Piastri 16 behind, and guarantees a three way title showdown next weekend in Abu Dhabi.
A start that changed everything
From P3 on the grid, Verstappen nailed the launch, sweeping past Norris into Turn 1 and settling in behind pole sitter Piastri. The Australian immediately began to pull away, breaking DRS on Lap 1 and controlling the early pace.
But the opening phase was chaotic further back. George Russell slipped three places, Pierre Gasly ran wide through the gravel, and Nico Hulkenberg attacked aggressively, until their clash at Turn 1 triggered the moment that would define the entire race.
Hulkenberg and Gasly came together, pitching the Sauber into the gravel and bringing out the Safety Car.
That’s where McLaren blinked.
The strategy call that cost McLaren the win
While the entire field dived into the pits, crucial, because Pirelli imposed a 25 lap tyre limit on all sets, both Piastri and Norris stayed out. It left them committed to two stops while Verstappen, now on fresher mediums, needed just one more.
The mistake was instant. The consequences lasted all race.
After the restart on Lap 11, Piastri and Norris were rapid, lapping over a second quicker than the rest. But the maths was against them. They had to pit by Lap 25, whereas Verstappen and the chasing pack could run until Lap 32.
When the McLarens finally boxed, Verstappen cycled into clean air, controlled his tyres, and held track position until his final stop.
McLaren, who had looked unbeatable on raw pace, suddenly found themselves chasing the wrong car.
Piastri fights back but Verstappen controls the race
Piastri’s pace was outstanding all afternoon. After emerging behind the midfield pack, he cleared Antonelli with a bold dive into Turn 1 and set off in pursuit. But Verstappen’s lead, built through strategic advantage, not speed, was too strong.
After the final round of stops:
- Verstappen held a calm, controlled lead
- Piastri rejoined 17 seconds behind
- Norris rejoined behind Sainz and Antonelli, with time slipping away
Piastri closed the gap on fresher hards but ran out of laps, crossing the line eight seconds behind the Red Bull.
His third consecutive Qatar podium was deserved. But the victory had slipped away long before the chequered flag.
Norris’ race unravels
Norris’ title lead looked comfortable at the start of the weekend. By Sunday night, it was hanging by a thread.
His Sunday was defined by two key moments:
- Losing a position to Verstappen at the start
- Failing to clear Antonelli after the final round of stops
A near spin at Turn 14 cost him more time just as Verstappen began to close in. Though Norris eventually overtook Antonelli late in the race, the damage was done.
Fourth place means a 22 point lead has shrunk to 12 points, with the championship now wide open.
Sainz shines as Williams take a surprise podium
The unsung hero of the race was Carlos Sainz, who delivered a brilliant drive to secure his second podium of the season.
Williams weren’t expected to be competitive here at all, but Sainz:
- passed Russell, Antonelli and Alonso on Lap 1
- jumped Antonelli in the pits
- kept Norris behind for most of the race
It was controlled, composed, and ultimately rewarded with P3, a result that could shape the midfield standings heading into the finale.
Antonelli impresses again
Kimi Antonelli quietly banked P5, his best result since summer, helping Mercedes creep closer to Ferrari in the Constructors’ fight.
One late mistake cost him a shot at P4, but the teenager continues to look increasingly assured in high pressure situations.
Drama throughout the field
The midfield was chaotic all race:
- Isack Hadjar was on course for P6 before a late puncture
- Fernando Alonso completed a full 360 degree spin and still finished P7
- Leclerc salvaged P8 after another frustrating weekend
- Tsunoda and Lawson both scored after Racing Bulls’ strong pace
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s struggles deepened. Hamilton’s second straight Q1 exit and lack of race pace leaves the team staring down the possibility of a winless, podiumless season.
What the result means for the championship
With Verstappen’s seventh win of the season, the standings are now:
- Norris: 396 points
- Verstappen: 384 points
- Piastri: 380 points
A three-way fight. A 16 point spread. One race left.
Quotes to highlight
Max Verstappen
“An incredible race. We made the right call under the Safety Car. That was smart.”
Zak Brown (McLaren)
“We made the wrong decision.”
Carlos Sainz
“We came into this weekend thinking it would be our toughest. Suddenly we come out with a podium.”
A finale worthy of the season
The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix reshaped the entire championship picture. McLaren’s pace was real, but their strategy error was fatal. Verstappen struck when it mattered most, Piastri proved he’s still in the hunt, and Norris now heads to Abu Dhabi with everything to lose.
It all comes down to one last round.
Three drivers. One title. The fight is on.
