Formula 1: Verstappen sensational in Qatar, triumphs and sends the world championship verdict back to Abu Dhabi.

Max Verstappen kept the title race alive by winning the Qatar Grand Prix for the third consecutive year, thanks to impeccable management of the decisive moment by both himself and the Red Bull team. Even more decisive, however, was McLaren's disastrous decision, which remained stuck in an inflexible strategy. The Dutchman sensationally reopened the championship, which will be decided in the final race in Abu Dhabi.

The race

The GP seemed to be heading in the right direction already on the seventh lap of the fifty-seven scheduled, when a contact between Nico Hülkenberg and Pierre Gasly brought out the Safety Car. The occasion pushed almost the entire group to make their first early pit stop, with Verstappen firm in the lead; the only exceptions are Oscar piastri e Lando Norris, who postponed their tire changes until lap 25, the last possible time according to the FIA ​​tire limit in Qatar. This decision, however, forced them to chase for much of the race, compromising a potentially better result. Verstappen controls the race in the final phase despite the relentless pace of Piastres, who finished second. On the third step of the podium was an extraordinary Carlos Sainz, on his second podium of the season with Williams. Andrea was the one who suffered some uncertainty in the final stages. Kimi Antonelli, overtaken by Norris right on the last lap.

Another race to forget for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc does not go beyond eighth place, while Lewis Hamilton sinks to fourteenth position.

Everything will be decided in Abu Dhabi

The world ranking still sees Norris in the lead with 408 points, but Verstappen drastically reduces the gap and is now only 12 points away (396). It slips to third position Oscar Piastri who with 392 points finds himself just four points behind the Dutchman from Red Bull.

The last appointment of the season, at Abu Dhabi, will decide the world champion: a three-way fight encapsulated in just 16 points and with a balance not seen in years.