Qatar Grand Prix 2025: Verstappen wins as McLaren strategy woes cost Piastri and Norris
The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix delivered a high-stakes twist as Max Verstappen emerged victorious at the Lusail International Circuit on November 30 after starting from P3, pulling the drivers’ championship into a thrilling three-way finale.
From the start, Piastri who was on pole led the field, with teammate Norris alongside him and Verstappen slotting in behind. But on lap seven, catastrophe for some: a collision between Nico Hülkenberg and Pierre Gasly triggered a safety car, forcing a crucial decision. Red Bull pitted Verstappen immediately; McLaren kept at it, banking on pace, and kept Piastri and Norris on track.
That split-second call became the race-winner. With two mandatory pit stops looming due to tyre regulations, Verstappen’s fresh rubber and clean re-entry put him in prime position. As all cars completed their second stop, the Red Bull driver emerged ahead and stayed there. Piastri fought hard to reclaim the lead, but could only finish second, 7.995 seconds adrift. Meanwhile Norris dropped to fourth with him being unable to fend off a late charge and handing the championship advantage back to Verstappen and keeping alive the battle for title glory.
On the podium also stood Carlos Sainz of Williams, who delivered a strong drive to take third and mark Williams’ second podium of the season, a notable achievement for the storied but struggling outfit.
For Verstappen, this marked his seventh win of the 2025 season and the 70th of his career overall. It also brought him out ahead of Piastri in the standings and within striking distance of Norris. Heading into the season-finale at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, just 12 points separate Verstappen from Norris, with Piastri 16 behind. All three drivers now enter the finale with equal wins (seven each) setting the stage for one of the most intense championship conclusions in recent memory.
“This was an incredible race for us,” Verstappen said afterwards. “We made the right call under the Safety Car. For us, it was a very strong result.” As the paddock turns its focus to Abu Dhabi, one thing is certain: the 2025 title race is far from over.
From the start, Piastri who was on pole led the field, with teammate Norris alongside him and Verstappen slotting in behind. But on lap seven, catastrophe for some: a collision between Nico Hülkenberg and Pierre Gasly triggered a safety car, forcing a crucial decision. Red Bull pitted Verstappen immediately; McLaren kept at it, banking on pace, and kept Piastri and Norris on track.
That split-second call became the race-winner. With two mandatory pit stops looming due to tyre regulations, Verstappen’s fresh rubber and clean re-entry put him in prime position. As all cars completed their second stop, the Red Bull driver emerged ahead and stayed there. Piastri fought hard to reclaim the lead, but could only finish second, 7.995 seconds adrift. Meanwhile Norris dropped to fourth with him being unable to fend off a late charge and handing the championship advantage back to Verstappen and keeping alive the battle for title glory.
On the podium also stood Carlos Sainz of Williams, who delivered a strong drive to take third and mark Williams’ second podium of the season, a notable achievement for the storied but struggling outfit.
For Verstappen, this marked his seventh win of the 2025 season and the 70th of his career overall. It also brought him out ahead of Piastri in the standings and within striking distance of Norris. Heading into the season-finale at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, just 12 points separate Verstappen from Norris, with Piastri 16 behind. All three drivers now enter the finale with equal wins (seven each) setting the stage for one of the most intense championship conclusions in recent memory.
“This was an incredible race for us,” Verstappen said afterwards. “We made the right call under the Safety Car. For us, it was a very strong result.” As the paddock turns its focus to Abu Dhabi, one thing is certain: the 2025 title race is far from over.
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