F1 Qatar Grand Prix 2025: Final Classification After FIA Penalties – Verstappen Closes in on Title After McLaren Strategy Shock
The 2025 Formula 1 title fight tightened dramatically under the lights of Lusail as Max Verstappen claimed a crucial victory at the Qatar Grand Prix. What began as a promising weekend for McLaren unravelled due to a strategic miscalculation that cost both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris valuable points at a critical stage of the championship.
The race delivered another twist in what has already been one of the most unpredictable seasons of the new regulations era. Verstappen, who had struggled for outright pace throughout parts of the weekend, capitalized fully when McLaren faltered. The Dutchman executed a calm and controlled drive, converting Red Bull’s alternative strategy into maximum reward. By the chequered flag, he crossed the line nearly eight seconds clear of Piastri, taking one of his most important wins of the 2025 season.
McLaren’s Costly Pit Wall Error
McLaren had looked in command earlier in the weekend, with Piastri taking both the sprint pole and victory before securing the main race pole position. The team entered Sunday confident of another strong result—possibly even a one-two finish.
However, the turning point of the Grand Prix came during the second round of pit stops. McLaren opted to double-stack their drivers at a moment when the tyre degradation curve was rapidly changing. That decision, combined with a slower-than-ideal service for Piastri, dropped both cars behind Verstappen and allowed several rivals to close in.
Piastri eventually recovered to finish second on the road, but the damage had been done. The consequences were even greater in the championship standings. The Australian has now slipped to third overall, 16 points behind Norris—while Verstappen has cut the gap to the McLaren teammates to just 12 points.
The post-race paddock was buzzing with tension, with many observers questioning whether McLaren’s strategy department had cost their drivers a decisive advantage in the closing phase of the season.
Sainz Claims Podium Amid Late Mechanical Worry
While the headlines focused on Verstappen and McLaren, Carlos Sainz delivered a standout performance for Williams. The Spaniard capitalized perfectly on the chaos ahead, securing third place despite reporting a late reliability concern in the final laps. The result marked his second podium of the season and further validated Williams’ steady resurgence in 2025.
Sainz held off Norris, who had been recovering from his compromised pit stop, and secured his place on the podium with a measured, defensive drive.
Midfield Battles and Notable Performances
Mercedes enjoyed a strong afternoon with both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell finishing in the top six. Antonelli, in particular, impressed with another mature performance, bringing home fifth place as he continues to build his reputation in his rookie season.
Fernando Alonso claimed seventh for Aston Martin, while Charles Leclerc secured eighth for Ferrari in what has been a challenging campaign for the Scuderia. Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda completed the top ten, scoring valuable points for Racing Bulls and Red Bull respectively.
Further down the order, Alex Albon narrowly missed out on points in P11, while Lewis Hamilton finished a disappointing 12th for Ferrari, battling tyre management issues throughout the race. Gabriel Bortoleto and Franco Colapinto rounded off the classified finishers ahead of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, both of whom finished a lap down.
The race saw three retirements: Lance Stroll, Isack Hadjar, and Oliver Bearman, while Nico Hülkenberg was listed as a DNS after the team withdrew him due to technical problems.
Fastest Lap: No Longer a Factor
Oscar Piastri recorded the fastest lap of the race—a 1:22.996 set on lap 44—but under the 2025 regulations, this no longer provides an extra championship point. The FIA removed the rule after several seasons of drivers making late pit stops solely to chase the bonus point, which distorted race strategy and occasionally the sporting spectacle.
One of the most infamous incidents that triggered the rule change occurred in the closing stages of the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. Daniel Ricciardo, running last, pitted for new tyres and stole the fastest lap from Lando Norris, indirectly aiding Verstappen’s title bid. The FIA cited such moments as justification for eliminating the fastest lap point entirely from 2025 onward.
Final Classification – 2025 Qatar Grand Prix
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +7.995s
3. Carlos Sainz (Williams) +22.665s
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) +23.315s
5. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +28.317s
6. George Russell (Mercedes) +48.599s
7. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +54.045s
8. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +56.785s
9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +60.073s
10. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) +61.770s
11. Alex Albon (Williams)
12. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
13. Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber)
14. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
15. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
16. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
DNF: Stroll, Hadjar, Bearman
DNS: Hülkenberg
