Max Verstappen kept the F1 championship race alive with a win at the Qatar Grand Prix, taking advantage of a McLaren strategic mistake to secure his seventh victory this season and close the gap to championship leader Lando Norris to 12 points.
The Red Bull driver executed the maneuver on the seventh lap by pitting during an early safety car period, whereas the McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Norris remained on track and lost out on an important ‘free stop.’ From that point, Verstappen managed the race with his signature accuracy, ultimately crossing the finish line well ahead of Piastri, who had started from pole position before strategy spoiled his night.
Carlos Sainz achieved a third place for Williams, with Norris coming in next, appearing frustrated due to McLaren’s strategic decision that left him with excessive ground to make up. Kiimi Antonelli and George Russell rounded out the six for Mercedes.
For Verstappen, the victory represented his consecutive success in Qatar and the 70th overall in his career. An impressive comeback after dismissing his title hopes in August when he was more than 100 points behind.
Piastri, now 18 points behind Norris heading into the Abu Dhabi finale, admitted the team “didn’t get it right,” while Verstappen hailed Red Bull’s bold strategy as the key to keeping his championship hopes alive.
