The penultimate round of the 2025 Formula One season came to a thrilling close on Sunday, with Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) securing a hard-fought victory in the Qatar Grand Prix. The Dutchman's triumph has propelled him back into contention for the championship title, now just 12 points behind leader Lando Norris.
Verstappen, starting from third spot on the grid, outmaneuvered his McLaren rival to claim pole position and ultimately took the chequered flag by a mere eight seconds. This victory marked Verstappen's 70th Grand Prix win, tying him with Lewis Hamilton for second place all-time in terms of F1 victories.
McLaren's Norris finished fourth, while Australian Oscar Piastri secured second place after starting from pole position. The result saw Piastri move to within 16 points of the championship lead, but he remains firmly in contention for the title.
The victory was built on Red Bull's clever strategy during a crucial safety car period. Verstappen pitted under the safety car and benefited from a free pit stop, while McLaren opted to keep both drivers out on the track, resulting in Norris and Piastri losing valuable time later in the race.
Piastri reflected on the missed opportunity, acknowledging that McLaren's strategy call was incorrect. "I drove as fast as I could, but it wasn’t to be. In hindsight, it is pretty obvious what we should have done... it’s a little bit tough to swallow at the moment."
Verstappen attributed his win to the team's calculated risk during the safety car period. "An incredible race for us. We made the right call to box under that safety car. A strong race for us on a weekend that was tough."
With this victory, Verstappen has set up an intriguing final showdown with Norris at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next Sunday. The reigning champion's resurgence raises hopes of another dramatic conclusion to the season, while Norris will be determined to hold onto his championship lead.
The stage is now set for a thrilling finale in Abu Dhabi, where history may yet be rewritten once more. Can Verstappen repeat his title-winning form from 2021, or will Norris secure the championship in dominating fashion? One thing is certain – fans around the world will be on the edge of their seats as they await the culmination of this electrifying season.
Verstappen, starting from third spot on the grid, outmaneuvered his McLaren rival to claim pole position and ultimately took the chequered flag by a mere eight seconds. This victory marked Verstappen's 70th Grand Prix win, tying him with Lewis Hamilton for second place all-time in terms of F1 victories.
McLaren's Norris finished fourth, while Australian Oscar Piastri secured second place after starting from pole position. The result saw Piastri move to within 16 points of the championship lead, but he remains firmly in contention for the title.
The victory was built on Red Bull's clever strategy during a crucial safety car period. Verstappen pitted under the safety car and benefited from a free pit stop, while McLaren opted to keep both drivers out on the track, resulting in Norris and Piastri losing valuable time later in the race.
Piastri reflected on the missed opportunity, acknowledging that McLaren's strategy call was incorrect. "I drove as fast as I could, but it wasn’t to be. In hindsight, it is pretty obvious what we should have done... it’s a little bit tough to swallow at the moment."
Verstappen attributed his win to the team's calculated risk during the safety car period. "An incredible race for us. We made the right call to box under that safety car. A strong race for us on a weekend that was tough."
With this victory, Verstappen has set up an intriguing final showdown with Norris at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next Sunday. The reigning champion's resurgence raises hopes of another dramatic conclusion to the season, while Norris will be determined to hold onto his championship lead.
The stage is now set for a thrilling finale in Abu Dhabi, where history may yet be rewritten once more. Can Verstappen repeat his title-winning form from 2021, or will Norris secure the championship in dominating fashion? One thing is certain – fans around the world will be on the edge of their seats as they await the culmination of this electrifying season.
! Red Bull's strategy call was way too clever, if you ask me. I mean, what are the chances that McLaren would screw up a pit stop that badly? 
It's like they wanted Norris and Piastri to fall back and create an opening for Verstappen. I know it sounds far-fetched, but just think about it... two of the top contenders getting held back by their own team's strategy. It's almost too convenient! 
just when I thought it was gonna be another boring F1 season Max Verstappen comes outta nowhere and wins again! 
He's like a mental ninja, always on top of his game 
. I gotta say though Oscar Piastri is giving me all the feels with that "it wasn't to be" vibe 
. Red Bull's strategy was pure genius during that safety car period 
, it's gonna be interesting to see how Lando Norris bounces back at Abu Dhabi 
. Can Verstappen keep his momentum or will Norris crush him? I'm hooked! 
he's now just 12 points behind lando norris for the championship, but will be back to fight it out at abu dhabi next week 
the race was won by verstappen after a clever strategy call under the safety car 
his team took a huge risk and pitted him in 
meanwhile, mcLaren's strategy call cost them oscar piastri a potential win 
, that safety car pit call was spot on 
. I'm loving how he's creeping back up on Norris though 
. And Piastri's got some 'splainin' to do about that strategy 
️. Can't wait to see what Verstappen brings to the table next week! 
what's going on with these pit stops?! Piastri just had his chances slip through his fingers like that... 
it's gonna be a nail-biter at Abu Dhabi, I can already feel the tension building up 
this season is turning out to be more unpredictable than ever 
just thinking about it and my mind's already made up... Verstappen's gonna take that title, I'm putting my money on it 
. and piastri's so close to the title now 
Meanwhile, Verstappen is still in contention for his title, and I wouldn't put it past him to pull off an upset at Abu Dhabi next week. The writing is on the wall, folks... this season is going to be all about drama! 
max verstappen is back in the game and it's anyone's championship at this point! he pulled off an insane move during that safety car pit stop 
, and now he's just 12 points behind lando norris. but let's be real, piastri's second place was robbed 
- those mclaren guys need to get their strategy together. Verstappen's 70th gp win is also super cool, tying him with lewis hamilton for 2nd all-time 
I'm literally FREAKING OUT right now!!! Max Verstappen is back in the mix and this win over Lando Norris has me SOOOO hyped!!! 
And the fact that Verstappen made the correct call during that safety car period is just a testament to Red Bull's incredible team work 
about that safety car strategy call... can't believe mclaren didn't take the risk 
Bring it on to Abu Dhabi, folks! 
still gotta ask though, what made mcclaren so convinced that keeping both drivers out was a good idea during that safety car? seems like piastri is gonna have to make up some serious ground in abu dhabi if he wants to keep the pressure on norris 
. It's clear that Red Bull has been making some smart moves to get Max ahead, and it paid off big time 
.
. will it be another dramatic finish or a straightforward win for norris? the suspense is killing me 
can't wait for abu dhabi, gonna be a nail-biter for sure