Qatar Grand Prix 2025: Verstappen’s Victory Tightens Title Race for Abu Dhabi Finale

Max Verstappen wins the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix ahead of Piastri, with Norris fourth, slashing the championship lead to 12 points heading into the decisive Abu Dhabi race.

Max Verstappen delivered a dominant performance to win the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit, finishing ahead of Oscar Piastri and elevating Carlos Sainz to third. Lando Norris, the championship leader entering the weekend, managed only fourth place after a strategic misstep by McLaren cost him a stronger result. In the Sprint race, Piastri claimed victory from pole, ahead of George Russell and Norris, while Verstappen recovered to fourth.​

Sprint Race Results

• 1st: Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 8 points

• 2nd: George Russell (Mercedes) – 7 points

• 3rd: Lando Norris (McLaren) – 6 points

• 4th: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 5 points

• 5th: Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 4 points (after penalty)

• 6th: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 3 points (after penalty)​

Main Race Results

• 1st: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 25 points

• 2nd: Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 18 points

• 3rd: Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 15 points

• 4th: Lando Norris (McLaren) – 12 points

• 5th: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 10 points

• 6th: George Russell (Mercedes) – 8 points​

Championship Impact

Verstappen’s weekend haul of 30 points (5 from Sprint + 25 from race) cut Norris’s lead dramatically from 24 points pre-Qatar to just 12 points entering the Abu Dhabi finale. Piastri’s strong showing, including the Sprint win and second in the main race, keeps him mathematically alive, now 19 points behind Norris. With only 25 points available in the season-ending race—no Sprint—Norris can clinch the title by finishing ahead of Verstappen or outperforming by specific margins, setting up a high-stakes showdown.

2025 F1 Drivers’ Championship Standings After Qatar GP

Lando Norris maintains a slim 12-point lead over Max Verstappen following the Qatar Grand Prix, with Oscar Piastri just four points further back in third. This tightens the title fight heading into the Abu Dhabi finale, where 25 points remain available.​

Norris can clinch the title in Abu Dhabi by finishing ahead of Verstappen or meeting specific point thresholds, keeping all three top drivers in contention

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