Race momentum and strategy
Max Verstappen kept his World Championship ambitions alive after sealing victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, thanks to a decisive strategic move by Red Bull.
The Dutch driver started strongly, overtaking the race leader Lando Norris at Turn One, then sitting behind Oscar Piastri and watching the race unfold over 57 laps.
A early safety car after Nico Hulkenberg collided with Pierre Gasly forced an early safety car, and with Pirelli setting a 25-lap maximum per tire stint, most teams pitted early to minimize time loss.
McLaren, however, pulled a radical move by leaving both Piastri and Norris on track, forcing them into two tires stops under normal racing conditions and costing them valuable time.
Verstappen hailed his team's bold decision, saying the race was spectacular for us and that entering the pits under safety car was a smart, highly effective call.
He added that a tough week on the bouncing sessions notwithstanding, they won the race and stayed at the heart of the fight.
He also commented on McLaren's decision to stay out, noting they would have gained an edge but had to manage tires for 25 laps—very hard here, thankfully everything went our way.
Verstappen also endured a rough run in practice and qualifying, which cost him a spot on the sprint podium.
He bounced back to third in qualifying and then dominated the main race, finishing about eight seconds clear of Piastri.
Norris led the standings by 12 points over Verstappen, with the Dutchman four points ahead of Piastri, as the three-title contenders head to Abu Dhabi with a real shot at the crown.
Thus Norris must finish Abu Dhabi in second place at least if Verstappen wins, to secure his first world championship.
Verstappen signed off with quiet confidence: "Anything is possible now. We’ll see what happens, I’m not worried, just giving my best".
With Abu Dhabi looming, the title race is far from over, and fans are betting on a gripping micro-drama, not a mercy dash.
Punchline: If racing were a stand-up routine, Verstappen would be the headliner—timing that kills and tires that thrill.
Punchline: Norris may still lead the table, but today the pit crew stole the show—tire-swirling drama with a side of whiplash.
