Superb Verstappen turns setback into another dominant Qatar GP triumph

Lusail: A grid penalty did little to shake Max Verstappen s resolve. The newly crowned four time world champion delivered a performance reminiscent of...

Lusail: A grid penalty did little to shake Max Verstappen’s resolve. The newly-crowned four-time world champion delivered a performance reminiscent of his heroics at Lusail International Circuit last year, securing his second consecutive F1 Qatar Grand Prix crown in commanding style last night.

The eventful 57-lap race in front of a full house was a spectacle of drama, marked by three safety car appearances, multiple punctures, numerous crashes and a flurry of penalties.

Amid the chaos, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen showcased his brilliance, avoiding the mayhem to produce a flawless performance and claim his ninth win of the season and the 63rd of his career after finishing ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Oscar Piastri claimed third place but his team McLaren will have to wait for the next week’s Abu Dhabi finale to fight for their first constructors title since 1998 as Lando Norris in second McLaren had to settle for 10th place following a late 10-second stop-go penalty.