Norris laments McLaren's Qatar strategy as title goes to Abu Dhabi

The Formula 1 Drivers' Championship battle has intensified dramatically heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi, with just 16 points now separating Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri. Verstappen claimed victory at the Qatar Grand Prix after McLaren's controversial strategy call during an early Safety Car period. While most competitors pitted, McLaren opted to keep Norris and Piastri out, a decision Norris later lamented, stating, "we shouldn't have done what we did." This choice ultimately forced a two-stop strategy due to Pirelli's tyre limits, seeing Piastri finish second and Norris only fourth. Consequently, Norris's championship lead has shrunk to a mere 12 points over Verstappen, with teammate Piastri 16 points adrift, setting the stage for a thrilling title decider.