The Formula 1 Grand Prix held in Qatar has extended the season's intense championship fight to the Abu Dhabi stage, narrowing the lead gap to a minimum.
Reporting via the BBC, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen took the lead during a safety car period early in the race, capitalizing on an unusual strategic decision by the McLaren team. This decision ultimately cost Oscar Piastri a potential victory.
Verstappen secured his seventh win of the season, matching the results achieved by both Lando Norris and Piastri. Piastri finished second, while Carlos Sainz of the Williams team unexpectedly took third place, influenced by McLaren's strategy.
Lando Norris gained two additional points by overtaking Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes in the final laps of the race, maintaining his 12-point lead over Verstappen in the overall standings. Verstappen, meanwhile, climbed to second place in the points table, four points ahead of Piastri.
The fate of the championship will be decided at the final stage in Abu Dhabi, taking place from December 5-7. If Verstappen wins, Norris must secure at least third place to guarantee the title.