Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Dec 1: Max Verstappen powered to victory at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday, setting up a nail-biting final-race showdown with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The Red Bull ace kept his hopes alive for a fifth straight world title after pole-sitter Piastri settled for second, while championship leader Norris could manage only fourth.
Verstappen’s stunning late-season resurgence has pushed him past Piastri into second place in the standings. The Dutchman heads into next weekend’s finale just 12 points behind Norris, with Piastri 16 points adrift.
The last time Verstappen entered a title decider was in 2021, when he famously beat Lewis Hamilton on the final lap in Abu Dhabi.
McLaren, however, were left ruing a missed opportunity. Piastri started from pole and Norris from second, but Verstappen swept past at the start. Red Bull’s strategic call to pit Verstappen under a safety car paid off, while McLaren kept both drivers out.
“Clearly we did not get it right tonight,” admitted Piastri. “I drove as fast as I could but it wasn’t to be. In hindsight it’s pretty obvious what we should have done… a little tough to swallow at the moment.”
Verstappen praised his team’s flawless execution. “An incredible race for us. We made the right call to box under the safety car. A strong race on a tough weekend.”
Carlos Sainz of Williams completed the podium under the Lusail floodlights.