Max Verstappen claimed a crucial victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, setting the stage for a three-way battle for the Formula 1 championship in the season finale at Abu Dhabi.
The Red Bull driver outmanoeuvred McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who finished second, while championship leader Lando Norris could only manage fourth place, heightening the tension ahead of the final race.
A pivotal safety car period saw Verstappen pit early for fresh tyres, a move McLaren didn’t match; and the strategy proved costly for the Warringstown team.
Piastri and Norris, who started first and third, were unable to capitalise, allowing Verstappen to close the gap in the standings.
He now trails Norris by 12 points and Piastri by 16, making the Abu Dhabi showdown a genuine three-way fight.
Carlos Sainz snatched third place for Williams, just ahead of Norris, while Kimi Antonelli’s late mistake dropped him to fifth.
Lewis Hamilton ended a disappointing weekend outside the points in 12th.
With one race left, Verstappen’s charge makes the title race unpredictable with Norris needing to hit the podium in Abu Dhabi if Verstappen wins to secure his maiden crown.
“This was an incredible race for us. We made the right call as a team to box. It was smart. And super-happy to win here and stay in the fight to the head, incredible,” Verstappen said post-race.
“It was a little bit offset because of it all but for us it was a very strong race on a weekend when it was a little bit tough but we still got it done.”
Pictured above: Max Verstappen
Source: @f1
