McLaren pit strategy shocker turns F1 title race on its head—‘I don't have any words'

Peter Maniaty

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McLaren pit strategy shocker turns F1 title race on its head—‘I don't have any words' image

Abu Dhabi here we come.

The 2025 drivers championship will we be decided at the final race of Formula One season after a major strategy error from McLaren led to another Max Verstappen victory at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Seeking to gain an early advantage in the 57-lap race, McLaren chose not to pit either of its drivers under a safety car on lap seven and it proved hugely costly as Verstappen, who did pit, used the moment to gain a crucial upper hand.

In the end Oscar Piastri finished second and Lando Norris fourth, meaning all three drivers now head to the UAE next weekend with a genuine shot at the title.

“I don’t have any words,” a furious Piastri said on team radio immediately after the race.

The Australian now trails Norris by 16 points while Verstappen is even closer, having trimmed the Brit’s championship lead to just 12 points.

“We didn’t get it right tonight,” Piastri told the media before the podium presentation in Qatar.

“I think in hindsight it was pretty obvious what we should have done, it’s a little bit tough to swallow at the moment.”

Lando Norris will win the 2025 drivers championship if he finishes third or higher in Abu Dhabi, regardless of Piastri and Verstappen’s finishing position.

Staff Writer