Verstappen Wins Qatar GP, Title Fight Heads to Final Race

Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit, keeping the 2025 Formula One title battle alive and pushing the championship to a three-driver showdown at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The Red Bull driver started third but controlled the race once strategy unfolded in his favour, capitalising on McLaren’s early race miscalculation under the safety car period.

Pole-sitter Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris stayed out while most of the grid, including Verstappen, switched tyres during an early neutralisation.

With mandatory tyre rules in place due to degradation concerns, McLaren’s call placed both drivers at a disadvantage once the race resumed.

Max Verstappen extended his lead on fresher tyres and retained track position when the rest of the field pitted through the middle phase of the race.

• Max Verstappen wins Qatar GP as F1 championship goes to Abu Dhabi decider
• Norris, Verstappen and Piastri set for three-way showdown in final race
• Strategy drama in Qatar sets up one of F1’s closest title battles

Piastri recovered well after the setback and finished second, keeping his title hopes alive heading into the final round. Carlos Sainz Jr., delivering one of his most consistent drives of the season, secured third for Williams after managing tyre wear and pace in the closing laps. Norris crossed the line fourth and lost vital points that could have secured him a more comfortable lead before the final weekend.

The standings now show Norris ahead with a reduced margin, with Verstappen closing to within striking distance and Piastri just behind in third. The three drivers head to Abu Dhabi with equal race wins across the season and only a narrow spread of points separating them.

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With form, strategy, and pressure all in play, the Abu Dhabi finale will decide one of the closest championship fights of the hybrid era, with no clear favourite as the season reaches its final chapter.