Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrated with the trophy on the podium after clinching the Qatar Grand Prix victory. — Reuters
Max Verstappen secured his ninth win of the season at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday, a race characterized by a significant penalty and three safety car interventions. The Dutch driver, who started one position off the pole due to a qualifying penalty, swiftly took command of the race. The event's pace slowed almost immediately, with a safety car emerging on the first of 57 laps following an incident involving Nico Hulkenberg. It initially appeared that Lando Norris might challenge Verstappen, who had already secured the season drivers' title the previous weekend in Las Vegas. However, a 10-second stop/go penalty assessed to Norris, for allegedly failing to slow under a double-yellow flag, effectively ended his challenge. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari finished six seconds behind Verstappen, with McLaren's Oscar Piastri securing third place. The margin in the race for the team title narrowed, with McLaren leading Ferrari by 21 points. The final Formula One race of the season, scheduled for next weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, will offer 44 points for the constructors' championship. George Russell of Mercedes, who started from pole position on Sunday, finished in fourth place, followed by Alpine's Pierre Gasly.
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