Hold on tight, F1 fans! The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix just threw a massive wrench into the championship battle, leaving us with a nail-biting, three-way showdown in Abu Dhabi. Who soared to victory, and who's licking their wounds? Let's dive into the winners and losers from this dramatic race under the Lusail lights.
RacingNews365's Qatar Grand Prix: Winners and Losers
Winner: Max Verstappen – The Master of Opportunity
Let's be honest, there's only one place to start: Max Verstappen. While he might not have been the absolute fastest all weekend, the Red Bull driver showcased his killer instinct, capitalizing on McLaren’s strategic misstep to snatch victory. From second in the standings, Verstappen's win puts the pressure on his rivals.
Verstappen’s aggressive move on Lando Norris on the opening lap set the tone, but it was the early safety car that truly opened the door. Credit where it's due: Red Bull's strategists were on point, recognizing the pit stop opportunity and executing flawlessly. McLaren’s divergent strategy proved to be their undoing. This win marks Verstappen's fifth victory in the last eight races post-summer break, a testament to his unwavering form.
Just a few months ago, Verstappen's title chances seemed slim. But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that Verstappen's victory was more a product of McLaren's error than his own brilliance. What do you think? Was it Verstappen's skill or McLaren's stumble that sealed the deal?
Now, Verstappen looms large as a title threat, a menacing presence that McLaren will be acutely aware of throughout the Abu Dhabi weekend. While Norris still leads the championship, Verstappen's momentum is undeniable.
Loser: Oscar Piastri – Speed Isn't Everything
Oscar Piastri was arguably the standout performer in Qatar. Under normal circumstances, that would automatically land him in the 'winner' camp. But in the context of the championship fight, Piastri's weekend takes a decidedly darker turn. And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about winning a race; it's about winning the right race at the right time.
Piastri, now trailing the championship lead by 16 points, must surely acknowledge that his hopes of clinching the title are fading fast. He possessed the pace to win in Qatar, no question. However, McLaren's fateful decision to keep him out during the early safety car period ultimately cost him dearly.
With Verstappen breathing down their necks, Piastri may now find himself in a difficult position: potentially having to play a supporting role for teammate Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi. Can Piastri put aside his own ambitions for the sake of the team? It's a tough question, and one that could spark some heated debate.
Winner: Carlos Sainz – Williams' Resurgent Star
Carlos Sainz's initial period with Williams was undoubtedly challenging, as he grappled with adapting to his new machinery. However, the Spaniard has demonstrably improved, culminating in a well-deserved third-place finish in Qatar. This podium, his second of the year, surpasses expectations considering Williams’ difficult 2024 season.
Sainz has emerged as Williams' points leader, eclipsing teammate Alex Albon, who had consistently secured top-ten finishes earlier in the season. Since the Italian Grand Prix in early September, Sainz has amassed 48 points compared to Albon's mere three. As F1 enters a new era in 2026, with countless possibilities awaiting Williams, Sainz can take pride in his strong finish to his maiden campaign with the team.
Loser: Ferrari – A Weekend to Forget
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. It was another excruciating weekend for Ferrari, who limped away from Qatar with a paltry four points. Lewis Hamilton's side of the garage endured one of its most challenging weekends ever. He consistently languished at the back of the field, suffering elimination in Q1 during both sprint and grand prix qualifying.
Ferrari is now firmly entrenched in fourth place in the constructors' championship, with Leclerc's eighth-place finish representing their sole reward from a dismal weekend. The car proved difficult to handle throughout every session, with Leclerc pushing it to its absolute limit just to secure a top-ten starting position. The team's focus has long been on the 2026 season, and fans will desperately hope they can reverse their fortunes and once again compete at the front.
Winner: F1 – A Three-Way Title Showdown!
For the first time in 15 years, F1 heads into the final round of the season with three drivers still in contention for the title! At the conclusion of Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, or Oscar Piastri will be crowned champion.
The last time we saw a similar situation was in 2010, when four drivers entered the final race with a shot at the championship. The 2012, 2016, and 2021 finales all featured title deciders, but those were head-to-head battles between just two drivers. This sets up an unprecedented situation for many fans, placing F1 squarely in the sporting spotlight next weekend.
While Norris enjoys a 12-point lead over Verstappen, the pressure is immense. A single mistake could be catastrophic. Regardless of the outcome, it promises to be an exhilarating weekend for F1 enthusiasts.
Loser: Lando Norris – Pressure Mounts
Qualifying behind teammate Piastri in Qatar dealt a blow to Norris's hopes of securing the title early. However, with a composed race and sound strategic decisions, the Briton could have entered Abu Dhabi with a significant advantage.
Instead, a strategic blunder by McLaren brought his title rivals closer, setting up a high-stakes, no-holds-barred battle in Abu Dhabi. Norris remains in a strong position to claim his maiden F1 title, but the increased pressure he now faces was entirely avoidable.
Norris has undoubtedly matured throughout the season, learning from early-season errors that cost him dearly in close fights with Piastri. However, the upcoming Abu Dhabi weekend will be a true test of his ability to perform under immense pressure – a situation he would undoubtedly have preferred to avoid, and one that could have been prevented with better strategic execution.
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So, who do you think will emerge victorious in Abu Dhabi? Will Norris hold his nerve, or will Verstappen and Piastri pounce on any opportunity? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!
