Verstappen claims dominant win in crash-hit Qatar Grand Prix

DOHA: Max Verstappen clinched his ninth victory of the season and the 63rd of his career with a dominant performance at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday. The newly-crowned four-time world champion, driving for Red Bull, triumphed with a six-second margin over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, in a race marred by numerous penalties and stewards’ decisions.

Despite a tough weekend, including a controversial demotion from pole position due to a driving infraction, Verstappen was flawless throughout the race.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri secured third, but with teammate Lando Norris finishing 10th after a late 10-second penalty, the team’s hopes of clinching the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since 1998 were dashed, and it will all now come down to the last remaining race in Abu Dhabi. McLaren now leads the standings by 21 points over Ferrari, going into the final showdown.

Verstappen reflected on the win, saying, “I am very happy with that… It’s great for the team to be so competitive again.” Leclerc, finishing second, acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “21 points is still a big margin, but it’s going to be a very tight finish.”

The race was halted early after a crash involving Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon, and Franco Colapinto. When racing resumed, Verstappen quickly surged to the front, never relinquishing his lead despite multiple interruptions and incidents.

(Source: AFP)