Max Verstappen kept the 2025 F1 title fight alive after clinching victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, closing the gap to championship leader Lando Norris to just 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Oscar Piastri, who started from pole, finished second and now sits 16 points behind in the standings — meaning all three drivers remain mathematically in contention for the title.
A perfectly timed pit stop under the safety car on lap seven gave Verstappen the strategic edge as McLaren kept both cars out, costing them time during their later stop. From there, the Dutchman controlled the race and secured his 70th career win.
Carlos Sainz completed the podium in third, while Norris could only manage fourth.
Verstappen now heads to Abu Dhabi looking to repeat his dramatic final-race championship triumph from 2021.
