Max Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix, narrowing gap to Lando Norris ahead of season finale

Max Verstappen secured victory at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday, capitalizing on a strategic error by McLaren to keep the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship battle alive heading into the final race of the season.

The Red Bull driver finished ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri, while championship leader Lando Norris finished fourth. Verstappen's win reduced Norris's lead in the standings to just 12 points, setting up a decisive finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, December 7.

Verstappen, a four-time world champion, started strong, overtaking Norris at the start of the race, though Piastri initially held the lead. The race dynamics shifted significantly on lap seven following a crash involving Pierre Gasly and Nico Hulkenberg.

The incident prompted most teams to pit their drivers to complete the first of two mandatory tire stops. However, McLaren opted to keep both Norris and Piastri on track, a decision sources described as a strategic error that ultimately cost the team a better result and potentially impacted the championship fight.

Following the results in Qatar, Norris remains the leader of the Drivers' Championship, but the gap has tightened considerably. Verstappen is now 12 points behind, and Piastri, who finished second in Qatar, is 16 points adrift of his teammate.

The championship will be decided in Abu Dhabi. Authorities noted that if all three contenders reach the checkered flag, Norris needs a podium finish (first, second, or third) to secure his first world title.

For Verstappen to claim the championship, he needs to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix while Norris finishes fourth or lower. Piastri also remains mathematically in contention for the title.