Verstappen Qatar GP Champion, 2025 F1 Title Fight to be Decided in Abu Dhabi

Monday, 1 December 2025 | 12:30

Author: Rojes Saragih

dok. Mobil Formula 1 Red Bull Max Verstappen

Documentation of Red Bull Formula 1 car Max Verstappen
Source: Wastrick / Wikimedia

Summary

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) won the Qatar Grand Prix, setting up a championship-deciding final race in Abu Dhabi.

2. Verstappen's victory reduced his points deficit to leader Lando Norris (McLaren) to 12 points, while he now leads third-place Oscar Piastri (McLaren) by just 4 points.

3. Pit stop strategy proved decisive; Verstappen gained the lead after both McLaren drivers lost positions during suboptimal stops, then defended against Piastri's late charge to secure the win.

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) successfully won an exciting Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix race early Monday morning WIB, 1/12/2025. This victory ignites the world championship title hunt until the final round in Abu Dhabi on 7 December.

With an additional 25 points, Verstappen now occupies second place in the provisional standings with 396 points. He cut his deficit to the standings leader, Lando Norris (McLaren), to just a 12-point gap. Meanwhile, Norris's teammate, Oscar Piastri, also remains a strong contender in third place, only four points behind Verstappen.

The race at the Losail Circuit became Verstappen's redemption. Despite starting from third position, the Dutch driver immediately showed his fangs by overtaking Norris, whose start was less than smooth.

George Russell vs Max Verstappen: Heated Rivalry Heading Into 2026 F1 Season

Audi enters Formula 1, R26 becomes symbol of ambition for 2030 world champion title.

Lando Norris F1 World Champion in Abu Dhabi After Early Season Struggles

Pit Stop Strategy

A fierce battle ensued as Verstappen chased Piastri, who was leading the race. Pit stop strategy became a key determinant. The McLaren duo, who started from the front row, actually lost positions due to less-than-ideal pit stop timing for Piastri (lap 25) and Norris (lap 26). By lap 27, Verstappen had taken the lead.

The race became even more tense when Piastri briefly regained the lead after Verstappen made his pit stop (lap 41). However, that lead didn't last long. On lap 47, Verstappen successfully reclaimed the lead and immediately built a safe gap.

In the final laps, Verstappen controlled the race steadily, while the battle for the podium behind him was intense. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) managed to hold onto his third position under pressure from Kimi Antonelli, who on the final lap had to relinquish his fourth place after being overtaken by a charging Norris.

Three Drivers Still in Contention for World Championship

With this victory, three drivers; Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri, still have very open chances to become world champion. It will all be decided at the final round at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, which promises racing drama just as spectacular.