Max Verstappen wins chaotic Qatar Grand Prix, sets stage for Abu Dhabi finale
Max Verstappen won the chaotic Qatar Grand Prix, marking his fourth championship title. Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri completed the podium, tightening the constructors' championship race between McLaren and Ferrari ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi. McLaren needed to outscore Ferrari by 15 points to secure the constructors' title but fell short. Lando Norris received a 10-second penalty, finishing 10th, leaving McLaren 21 points behind Ferrari with one race remaining. The race featured multiple incidents, including a safety car due to collisions. Norris' penalty and Hamilton's pit lane speeding penalty impacted their teams, while midfield drivers like Pierre Gasly and Zhou Guanyu scored valuable points.