Verstappen Victory Keeps Championship Race Open

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing kept the 2025 F1 drivers’ championship battle alive with a commanding victory at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday, setting up a tense finale in Abu Dhabi next weekend.

The four-time world champion closed to within 12 points of championship leader Lando Norris, who finished fourth, while Oscar Piastri crossed the line in second, 16 points behind Verstappen. Carlos Sainz of Williams completed the podium in third.

This marked Verstappen’s 70th career Grand Prix win, and the top three drivers now each have seven wins this season, making for one of the closest title fights in recent F1 history.

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Key Race Moments

Piastri led the opening lap after starting on pole, with teammate Norris alongside, but Verstappen overtook Piastri early, demonstrating Red Bull’s pace advantage.

A crucial moment came on lap seven, when Verstappen pitted under a safety car, gaining a free stop. McLaren, however, kept their drivers on track, costing Norris and Piastri valuable seconds when they eventually pitted.

“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 is pretty obvious what we should have done.”

Verstappen reflected on Red Bull’s smart strategy:

“An incredible race for us. We made the right call to box under that safety car. A strong race for us on a weekend that was tough.”

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Championship Scenario Ahead of Abu Dhabi

Heading into the season finale at Yas Marina Circuit, Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri all remain in contention for the 2025 title. Verstappen has previously clinched the championship in dramatic fashion in Abu Dhabi, famously overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the final lap in 2021.

“It’s possible now, but we will see,” Verstappen said.
“I don’t really worry about it too much.”

The penultimate race has set up a high-stakes showdown for the final round, with Red Bull aiming to capitalize on McLaren’s strategic missteps in Qatar.

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Race Highlights

• Pole Position: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
• Race Winner: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
• Second Place: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
• Third Place: Carlos Sainz (Williams)
• Fourth Place: Lando Norris (McLaren)
• Safety Car Impact: Verstappen pitted under SC to gain advantage