Verstappen claims victory in Qatar Grand Prix after Norris penalty

Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix after a dramatic race featuring two safety cars and a penalty for Lando Norris. Norris received a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for not slowing for yellow flags, which affected his race position. Verstappen started strong, taking the lead early on. Norris was close behind until the penalty changed the race dynamics. Charles Leclerc finished second, narrowing the gap to Norris in the drivers' championship standings. Mercedes' George Russell took fourth despite a penalty, while Alpine's Pierre Gasly finished fifth. Zhou Guanyu scored points for Sauber, marking their first points of the season.