🔗 Share this article

The championship contender capitalized on a tactical decision from McLaren that contradicted decisions made by every other team during an initial safety car period

It was a costly decision that gave up track position to Verstappen in the final stages and retrospectively cost the victory for Piastri

Race Outcome and Title Implications

Verstappen won to take his 7th victory of the campaign, equalling Norris and Piastri, while the Australian was runner-up and the British driver in fourth behind the Williams of Carlos Sainz

Norris won himself an additional points by passing the Mercedes driver's Silver Arrow on the second-to-last lap

Norris has been maintained a 12-point advantage over Verstappen, who moved ahead of his teammate by four points heading to Abu Dhabi on 5-7 December

To win the championship, the British driver must finish at least third at Yas Marina if Verstappen wins the race next race day

Critical Events of the Dramatic Race

• The team's choice not to pit when a yellow flag was called on lap seven for a crash between Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg
• A decision initiated by the Australian to advance his final stop in a desperate attempt to catch Verstappen came to nothing
• A unexpected podium finish for the Williams driver gifted by McLaren's tactical decision

How The British Team Lost Out in Qatar

The critical point for the team was when Gasly and Hulkenberg came together as the German tried to pass the Frenchman around the outside of Turn One on lap seven

The German's car was damaged beside the circuit That brought out the safety car

The crucial part of the timing was that it left exactly 50 laps left in the race

With the tire manufacturer imposing a twenty-five lap maximum usage on the tires, that meant anyone who pitted at that moment was committed to a fixed plan with a second stop on lap 32

Competitor Responses and Post-Race Comments

Speechless

Piastri commented in his post-race interview: Obviously we didn't get it right tonight My driving was the best race I was capable of, as fast as I possible, but there was no more pace out there Attempted my utmost but didn't get it done

Verstappen stated: This was an amazing performance for us We made the right call to box That proved smart Furthermore extremely pleased to triumph in Qatar and stay in the fight to the end, incredible

Ultimate Grand Prix Standings

• 1. Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
• 2. Piastri (McLaren)
• 3. Sainz (Williams)
• 4. Norris (McLaren)
• 5. Antonelli (Mercedes-AMG)
• 6. Russell (Mercedes-AMG)
• 7. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
• 8. Leclerc (Scuderia Ferrari)
• 9. Liam Lawson (RB F1 Team)
• 10. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)

Looking Ahead

The crucial title decider at the Yas Marina The circuit itself does not produce the most exciting racing, but once again this evening event features an event which promises to be every bit as thrilling as Sebastian Vettel's first title in 2010, or Verstappen's much-debated initial championship in 2021