The battle for the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship intensified under the lights of the Lusail International Circuit, as Red Bull's Max Verstappen claimed a crucial victory at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Qualifying Drama Sets the Stage
The penultimate round of the campaign was set for a dramatic showdown after a surprising qualifying session. Lando Norris, who held a slender championship lead, was on a final flying lap when he made a critical error, running wide at the second corner. The mistake forced the British McLaren driver to abort his lap, handing a golden opportunity to his teammate.
Oscar Piastri, fresh from a victory in the earlier sprint race, did not hesitate. The Australian driver seized the moment, clinching pole position by a mere 0.108 seconds. This result brought Piastri to within 22 points of Norris's lead, with a maximum of 50 points still available. Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified third, ensuring he remained a firm threat in the three-way title fight.
Verstappen Capitalises on Race Day
When the lights went out on Sunday, the race unfolded with high stakes. Verstappen demonstrated his trademark strategic prowess, capitalising on an early Safety Car period to gain a strategic advantage. He managed his race perfectly from there, taking the chequered flag to secure vital points.
The win for Verstappen means the Dutchman has significantly closed the gap to Norris at the top of the standings. Heading into the final race, the championship permutations are razor-thin. Lando Norris will be crowned world champion if he outscores Piastri by four points and Verstappen by a single point.
F1 Standings After the Qatar Grand Prix
The driver standings have been reshuffled following a pivotal weekend in Qatar. The top three are now separated by just 14 points, setting the stage for a sensational season finale.
F1 Driver Standings:
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 406 points
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 396 points
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 392 points
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 307 points
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 228 points
F1 Constructor Standings:
In the team battle, McLaren has already been crowned Constructors' World Champion, amassing an unassailable total of 770 points. The fight for second place remains open, with Mercedes on 441 points, just ahead of Red Bull on 400 and Ferrari on 378.
All eyes now turn to the final race of the season, where one of three drivers will etch their name into the history books.
