LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – NOVEMBER 30: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on November 30, 2025 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Sunday night’s finish at the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix has blown the Formula 1 title fight wide open.
Redbull’s Max Verstappen capitalized on a strategic misstep by McLaren to snatch victory and shove the championship duel into the final round.
This three-way title race will now make its way to Abu Dhabi for the finale.
The Lusail International Circuit delivered high drama.
Verstappen’s late-race move, a smart pit under the safety car, has reshaped the championship picture entirely.
McLaren went into the weekend as the dominant team, but now find themselves scrambling at the finale closes in.
Verstappen now sits just 12 points behind Norris, with Piastri only a handful farther back.
The title that seemed like a done-deal for McLaren is now wide open for the taking.
Next Sunday’s Formula One World Championship will certainly keep fans and racers on their toes.