F1’s Epic Three-Way Thriller: Title Fight Heads to Abu Dhabi After Verstappen’s Qatar Masterstroke

For the first time since 2010, the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship will be decided in the final race with three contenders still in the hunt – a dramatic scenario set up by Max Verstappen’s commanding victory in the Qatar Grand Prix.

The Lusail circuit delivered high-stakes drama as Red Bull’s Verstappen capitalized on a costly McLaren strategy error to claim his seventh win of 2025, closing the gap and ensuring a nail-biting showdown at Yas Marina.

Oscar Piastri dominated the weekend’s early stages, winning the sprint from pole and leading the Grand Prix comfortably after holding off Verstappen. But an early Safety Car – triggered by Nico Hülkenberg’s spin following contact with Pierre Gasly – flipped the script.

While most teams, including Red Bull, pitted immediately under the SC (with Pirelli’s 25-lap tyre limit enforcing a mandatory two-stop race), McLaren inexplicably kept both Piastri and leader Lando Norris out. Drivers questioned the call over radio, but the team gambled on track position.

It backfired spectacularly. The McLarens emerged from their delayed stops behind Verstappen, who managed his tyres brilliantly to pull away. Piastri closed late but finished a frustrated second, while Norris fought through to fourth after a crucial overtake on rookie Kimi Antonelli.

Carlos Sainz shone in third for Williams – another podium in a strong late-season surge.

Heading into Abu Dhabi, Norris holds a slender 12-point lead over the resurgent Verstappen, with Piastri 16 points back (four behind Verstappen). Just 16 points separate the trio.

Norris needs a podium if Verstappen wins to secure his maiden title. Piastri remains an outsider but could play kingmaker. One mistake, one incident – anything can happen over 58 laps under the Yas Marina lights.

F1 hasn’t seen a three-driver finale in 15 years. Strap in – this could be legendary.