Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix to force final-race title decider

Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri will take their championship fight to a final-race showdown in Abu Dhabi after Red Bull’s Verstappen claimed victory in a dramatic Qatar Grand Prix.

Verstappen inherited control of the race following a McLaren strategy call made under an early safety car. 

The team opted not to pit on lap seven—contrary to every other outfit on the grid—costing both track position and, ultimately, Piastri’s shot at the win.

The Dutchman went on to secure his seventh victory of the season, drawing level with Norris and Piastri. 

Piastri finished second, while Norris recovered to fourth behind the Williams of Carlos Sainz, collecting two extra points after overtaking Kimi Antonelli on the penultimate lap.

Norris now leads Verstappen by 12 points heading to Yas Marina, with Verstappen moving four points clear of Piastri. Norris must finish at least third if Verstappen wins next Sunday’s title decider.

Key moments in Qatar included McLaren’s refusal to pit during the early safety car caused by a collision between Pierre Gasly and Nico Hulkenberg, and Piastri’s unsuccessful late push after bringing forward his final stop.