Lando Norris expressed his frustration after a costly McLaren strategy error allowed Max Verstappen to win the Qatar Grand Prix, tightening the championship battle ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Norris finished fourth, leaving him with only a 12-point lead over Verstappen, while teammate Oscar Piastri placed second.
McLaren appeared in control of the race until a safety car on lap seven following a collision between Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly. Despite most drivers pitting for new tyres, McLaren opted to keep both Norris and Piastri out, a decision that ultimately handed the advantage to Verstappen.
Verstappen capitalised, winning by 7.9 seconds from Piastri, with Norris fourth behind Carlos Sainz. Piastri described the outcome as 'a tough one to swallow', saying he felt he had lost a win. The blunder came a week after both McLaren drivers were disqualified in Las Vegas for an illegal car.
Norris admitted the decision was wrong, saying: 'We were the ones who took the gamble today, and it was the wrong decision. It was not my finest day... I just want to go to bed.' He now heads to Abu Dhabi needing at least a third-place finish to secure the title.
Verstappen, who has won five of the last eight races, said: 'A race like today shows it is not always straightforward. When strategy comes into play... we might have an opportunity.' The Dutchman trails Norris by 12 points ahead of the final round.
