Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix for ninth victory of the season
Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix, overcoming a grid penalty to secure his second consecutive victory at Lusail. He finished ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Oscar Piastri, marking his ninth win of the season. The race featured three safety car periods and multiple incidents, including crashes and penalties. Verstappen took the lead at the start and maintained it throughout, showcasing his skill despite starting from second position due to the penalty. Leclerc's second-place finish narrowed McLaren's lead in the constructors' championship to 21 points. The race was marked by drama, including a mirror debris incident that caused punctures for several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton.