Max Verstappen qualified third in Qatar and says McLaren’s speed is so strong that matching their pace would require “a shortcut.” He must finish ahead of Lando Norris to keep the title race alive.
Max Verstappen finished sixth in sprint qualifying at Losail after severe bouncing and persistent understeer left the RB21 beyond his control. Yuki Tsunoda beat him for the first time in a qualifying format, adding pressure before the sprint.
Oscar Piastri won the Qatar sprint with ease, reducing his deficit to Lando Norris while Yuki Tsunoda supported Max Verstappen on lap one, took a penalty, and still secured fifth.
Oscar Piastri topped the only practice session in Qatar, while Red Bull failed to extract performance from the soft tyres. Max Verstappen placed sixth and Yuki Tsunoda fell to thirteenth after traffic and poor sector one execution.
Max Verstappen says he is “all in” for the final stretch of the 2025 season as he aims to overturn Lando Norris’s 24-point lead and claim a fifth straight F1 title. With 58 points remaining, the Red Bull driver is prepared for an “all-out battle” after a strong late-season comeback.
Isaac Hajar says he has rejected several VCARB social media ideas, insisting he does not want to become an “influencer-type” driver despite his growing popularity. The rookie says the only thing that matters is performance on track.
Alex Albon questioned the severity of his five-second penalty for contact with Lewis Hamilton in Las Vegas, arguing the collision was minor and caused no harm. A rare pre-race speeding reprimand and a full radio failure made the Williams driver’s night even more difficult before he retired on lap 35.
McLaren’s double disqualification in Las Vegas has reset the 2025 title fight. Norris’ lead has shrunk to 24 points, leaving Verstappen and Piastri back in contention with 58 points left. Verstappen can still win the championship, but Norris only needs consistent podiums to stay ahead.
