Verstappen wins Qatar GP as title battle goes to Abu Dhabi

Max Verstappen secured a crucial victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, narrowing the championship gap to Lando Norris to just 12 points.\nDespite Oscar Piastri’s strong performance for McLaren, finishing second, the team's alternative strategy, influenced by an early Safety Car and Pirelli's tyre stint limits, ultimately favored Verstappen. Norris, who started as championship leader, could only manage fourth place after struggling to clear rivals post-pit stop.\nCarlos Sainz impressively claimed Williams' second podium of the season in third, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured fifth for Mercedes. The intense strategic race sets the stage for a thrilling final round in the title battle.