Verstappen Clinches Qatar GP Victory as McLaren Strategy Misfires; Piastri Second, Sainz Takes Podium

Max Verstappen delivered a flawless drive to win the 2025 FIA Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, capitalising on a costly strategic hesitation by McLaren to tighten the championship fight. The Red Bull star secured his seventh win of the season and 70th career victory, finishing 7.9 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri and moving up to second in the Drivers’ standings, now just 12 points behind leader Lando Norris. Williams’ Carlos Sainz completed the podium with an exceptional performance at Lusail.

Race Start: Piastri Leads as Verstappen Pounces

Polesitter Oscar Piastri launched cleanly, but teammate Lando Norris was immediately attacked by Verstappen into Turn 1. Piastri began building an early cushion, while McLaren appeared confident that their superior pace would define the opening stint.

However, the race complexion changed on lap seven, when a collision between Nico Hülkenberg and Pierre Gasly triggered a Safety Car — perfectly timed for the entire field to take their first set of maximum-25-lap tyre changes.

McLaren Hesitates — And It Costs Them

As Verstappen and the rest of the pack dived into the pits, McLaren delayed their call. Both Piastri and Norris stayed out, a decision Piastri later described as unclear in the moment. The gamble put them in a precarious position, forcing the pair to build a large enough gap before their eventual pit stops on laps 24 and 25.

Thankfully for McLaren, Fernando Alonso’s tyre-saving tactics in P6 helped slow the chasing pack, allowing the papaya cars to rejoin ahead of the midfield.

Verstappen’s Pace Too Strong to Contain

When Verstappen pitted on lap 32, he emerged only seconds behind the McLarens, and with fresher tyres he closed rapidly. Piastri attempted an early second stop on lap 42, but the Australian rejoined 15 seconds behind the Dutchman — too far to make a decisive challenge despite a late surge.

Norris’ second stop dropped him to fifth, setting up a tense battle with Kimi Antonelli. The Mercedes rookie defended brilliantly for nearly 10 laps but finally slid wide on the penultimate lap, allowing Norris to secure P4 and crucial championship points.