The Qatar Grand Prix will be remembered for its chaotic and eventful nature, with Max Verstappen emerging victorious amidst the mayhem. The Dutchman’s masterclass performance saw him take the chequered flag, six seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc in second place.
The race got off to a dramatic start, with Verstappen, who had lost pole position due to a penalty, winning a battle for the lead against George Russell and Lando Norris into Turn 1. However, the excitement was short-lived, as the Safety Car appeared on the first lap after Franco Colapinto and Esteban Ocon were involved in an incident with Nico Hulkenberg.
The Safety Car’s appearance was the first of three during the 57-lap encounter. The second restart saw Norris run close to Verstappen in a fight for the lead, but the world champion held on and remained in the position through to the chequered flag. Norris, meanwhile, saw his podium hopes dashed after being handed a 10-second stop/go penalty for failing to slow under yellow flags.
Charles Leclerc took second place, crossing the line six seconds back from Verstappen. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri completed the podium in third, a well-deserved result for the young Australian driver. George Russell was Mercedes’ sole points-scorer in fourth, ahead of Pierre Gasly who held off Carlos Sainz to take a solid fifth for Alpine.
While Verstappen and Leclerc celebrated their podium finishes, others were left to rue what could have been. Norris’s penalty saw him drop down the order, and he was forced to settle for 10th place. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, cut a dejected figure in 12th place, after receiving two penalties during the event.
