Max Verstappen claims victory at Qatar Grand Prix after Lando Norris penalty

Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix on December 1, 2024, following a penalty for Lando Norris that ended his bid for victory. Verstappen, who started second, regained the lead early in the race and maintained it despite multiple safety car periods. Norris received a penalty for not slowing under yellow flags, dropping him to the back of the field. Charles Leclerc finished second for Ferrari, while Norris' teammate Oscar Piastri took third. This result narrowed McLaren's lead in the constructors' championship to 21 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi. The race featured several incidents, including punctures for Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz, and a safety car deployment due to debris on the track. Hamilton finished 12th after facing multiple penalties during the race.