Qatar Grand Prix F1: McLaren's Botched Strategy Call Helps Max Verstappen Win

One week after losing all their points from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, McLaren threw away a bunch more in an increasingly tense Formula 1 title race by botching a strategy call at the Qatar GP on Sunday (November 30, 2025). After an early safety car, McLaren's decision to keep both drivers out backfired badly and Red Bull's Max Verstappen took full advantage of the unexpected gift to clinch a seventh win this season — his 70th overall — as he closed the gap on championship leader Lando Norris from 24 points at the start of the weekend to 12 points, heading into next Sunday’s title decider in Abu Dhabi. McLaren still have two drivers in contention, with Oscar Piastri four points behind Verstappen in third, but must stop the slide.

Updated on: 1 December 2025 10:48 am

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates after winning the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, in Lusail, Qatar. | Photo: AP/Altaf Qadri

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Winner Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, centre, second placed McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia, left, and third placed Williams driver Carlos Sainz of Spain celebrate on the podium after the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, in Lusail, Qatar. | Photo: AP/Fatima Shbair

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Qatar Grand Prix F1 2025-McLaren driver Oscar Piastri

Second placed McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia reacts after the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, at the Lusail International Circuit, in Lusail, Qatar. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Qatar Grand Prix F1 2025-Williams driver Carlos Sainz

Third placed Williams driver Carlos Sainz of Spain reacts after the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, at the Lusail International Circuit, in Lusail, Qatar. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Qatar Grand Prix F1 2025-Red Bull driver Max Verstappen

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates after winning the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, in Lusail, Qatar. | Photo: AP/Altaf Qadri

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Williams driver Carlos Sainz of Spain steers his car during the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, at the Lusail International Circuit, in Lusail, Qatar. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia steers his car during the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, in Lusail, Qatar. | Photo: AP/Fatima Shbair

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Qatar Grand Prix F1 2025-Lando Norris of Britain

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain steers his car during the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, at the Lusail International Circuit, in Lusail, Qatar. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Qatar Grand Prix F1 2025-Mercedes driver George Russell

Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain steers his car during the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, at the Lusail International Circuit, in Lusail, Qatar. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Qatar Grand Prix F1 2025-Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, at the Lusail International Circuit, in Lusail, Qatar. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic

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Qatar Grand Prix F1 2025-Charles Leclerc of Monaco

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco steers his car during the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, in Lusail, Qatar. | Photo: AP/Fatima Shbair

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Qatar Grand Prix F1 2025-Max Verstappen of the Netherlands

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix, at the Lusail International Circuit, in Lusail, Qatar. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic