Max Verstappen’s win in Qatar kept the 2025 F1 title fight alive and turned a strong McLaren weekend into a missed opportunity. Several drivers and teams left Lusail with momentum, while others lost points and confidence at a critical stage of the season.
Red Bull has admitted that comments made during and after the Qatar Grand Prix about Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli were wrong and says it regrets the wave of online abuse that followed. Replay footage confirmed that Antonelli briefly lost control before Lando Norris passed him for fourth, rather than moving aside on purpose.
McLaren fears that tyre durability issues seen at the Qatar Grand Prix could influence the title fight, with sharp gravel, rising pressures and unexpected vibrations creating unpredictable race conditions.
Ferrari endured another punishing weekend in Qatar, with Lewis Hamilton eliminated in Q1 again and Charles Leclerc labelling the SF 25’s pace as “zero performance” after a difficult sprint and qualifying session.
Pirelli has identified deep structural cracks across multiple tyres at Losail, prompting stricter monitoring as gravel-related damage increases the risk of punctures during the sprint and main race.
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.
Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin does not need more senior figures despite speculation around Christian Horner. His comments reflect trust in the current leadership and concern that Adrian Newey must be allowed to focus on the work that actually moves performance forward.












