• Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix, reducing Lando Norris's championship lead to just 12 points.
• All three title contenders, Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri, have seven wins each this season.
• The final race in Abu Dhabi will be a decisive showdown for the 2025 Formula 1 championship.

Max Verstappen triumphed at the Qatar Grand Prix, bringing the title race to a thrilling climax as he closed the gap to championship leader Lando Norris to just 12 points. Verstappen's victory marked his third consecutive win and the 70th of his career, positioning him second in the overall standings ahead of the decisive final race in Abu Dhabi next weekend. Norris finished the race in fourth place behind Oscar Piastri, who started on pole and finished second, ensuring that all three contenders remain tightly grouped heading into the finale, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The race was defined by a pivotal decision made by McLaren during an early safety car period triggered by a crash involving Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly. While most teams opted for fresh tires, McLaren chose to keep both drivers on track, a decision that ultimately backfired and allowed Verstappen to take control of the race. Verstappen capitalized on the misstep, stating, “When they called me in to box under the safety car, I felt this was a very good opportunity now for us to win the race," according to BBC and Reuters.

Despite this setback, Norris, who has now dropped to a precarious position, still has a clear path to the championship: he needs only a third-place finish in Abu Dhabi to secure his first title. His teammate Piastri is four points behind Verstappen, making it a competitive showdown among the three drivers. Piastri expressed disappointment in retrospect, stating, “It’s pretty painful,” highlighting the emotional stakes as they prepare for the season finale, according to BBC and India Times.

McLaren's strategic error at the Qatar GP was emphasized by their CEO Zak Brown, noting their misjudgment during a critical moment in the race. This has added pressure on the team as they enter the final race where Verstappen will aim to capture his fifth consecutive title. Verstappen, meanwhile, noted, “This was an incredible race for us. We made the right call. It’s about missing the whole pit stop opportunity,” stating that mistakes can happen in racing, according to BBC and Reuters.

As the final race approaches, the Formula 1 community anticipates a historic showdown at Abu Dhabi, marking the first final-race championship contest involving more than two drivers in 15 years. The excitement is palpable, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the sport, as all three contenders seek to secure their legacy in this tightly contested season, according to India Times and BBC.