LUSAIL: Four-time Formula One (F1) world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing kept the three-way 2025 drivers’ championship battle alive with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after securing victory in the penultimate race of the season at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday.
“As the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2025 comes to a close, we are proud to reflect on a weekend defined by exceptional competition and an atmosphere of inclusivity,” said Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit.
Verstappen closed to within 12 points of McLaren’s Norris, who finished fourth at Lusail Circuit, heading into the 24th and final round in Abu Dhabi next weekend.
Norris’s teammate Piastri finished second in the race after starting on pole position and is now 16 points behind in the championship battle. But the Australian is still in with a chance to win the drivers’ title.
Carlos Sainz of Williams finished third in Qatar to round out the podium behind Verstappen and Piastri.
The victory was Verstappen’s 70th grand prix career victory.
The top three drivers now each have seven wins for the 2025 season.
“Over the course of three days, the event welcomed 162972 attendees, whose enthusiasm contributed to its outstanding success. This Grand Prix exemplifies the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030—bringing diverse communities together in celebration of world-class motorsport while demonstrating Qatar’s continued capability to host premier international events,” said Al Mannai.
