Oscar Piastri was in top form at the Qatar Grand Prix, dominating the weekend, but McLaren’s pit strategy error cost him a deserved win. Max Verstappen took advantage and narrowed the gap in the drivers’ championship heading to Abu Dhabi.
Piastri’s Weekend Performance
Piastri had a strong weekend from start to finish. He led Friday practice, secured pole position, and controlled the sprint race. On race day, he showed clear pace and consistency, making him the fastest driver on track.
Oscar Piastri during the Qatar Grand Prix, dominating the race before McLaren’s pit strategy error
He had a three-second lead over Verstappen when a safety car came out on lap seven after a crash involving Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly. McLaren decided to keep both Piastri and Lando Norris on track to avoid disadvantaging either driver. That decision would later backfire.
Strategy Mistake Costs Both Drivers
Most other drivers, including Verstappen, pitted under the safety car, gaining a tyre advantage. Piastri and Norris stayed on track, which left them at a disadvantage.
When both drivers eventually pitted, Piastri was 17 seconds behind Verstappen, while Norris had fallen to fifth behind Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli. Even with fresher tyres, Piastri could not catch Verstappen. The Red Bull driver won by 7.995 seconds, while Piastri finished second and Norris fourth.
Drivers’ Championship Tightens
Verstappen’s win cut his deficit to Norris to 12 points, while Piastri now trails by 16 points. The final race in Abu Dhabi will see a three-way battle for the championship, a scenario not seen in over a decade.
Max Verstappen celebrates victory at Qatar as Oscar Piastri finishes second
For Piastri to win the title, he must take first place, and Norris must finish outside the top five. Every decision, every pit stop, and every move on track will play a crucial role in deciding the championship.
Social Media Reactions
Fans and analysts reacted quickly online to McLaren’s decision. Many argued that the team’s choice handed Verstappen an easy opportunity to take the lead.
Kevin Magnussen tweeted that the strategy “handed Verstappen a free shot at the lead,” while other F1 commentators noted Piastri’s excellent pace deserved a win. Social media made it clear that fans were frustrated that the win was lost not on track, but in the pit lane.
Piastri Comments on the Result
Piastri admitted disappointment but remained professional. “I left it in the team’s hands to decide the best strategy. Clearly, it didn’t work out,” he said.
He added that he had done everything possible on track, keeping his pace strong and consistent. Now, all he can do is repeat his Qatar performance in Abu Dhabi. Piastri stressed that he cannot control pit calls, only his driving.
Norris and McLaren’s Response
Norris said the team’s decision affected both drivers’ results. “It’s tough. The call didn’t work in our favour today,” he said.
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, explained that the decision not to pit immediately was based on unexpected moves by other teams. He admitted Piastri deserved the win and noted that Norris could have reached the podium if the strategy had been different.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has said that the team prefers fairness between drivers rather than issuing team orders. However, that approach has occasionally left drivers exposed when rivals make the right moves, as happened in Qatar.
Abu Dhabi will host the final F1 race where Piastri, Norris, and Verstappen fight for the title
Abu Dhabi Finale Looms
The final race at Yas Marina promises a thrilling championship showdown. Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri all have a chance to claim the title. Piastri proved in Qatar that he has the pace, but Abu Dhabi will require perfect driving, pit strategy, and tyre management.
With points so close, every move will be critical. McLaren must avoid mistakes this time, or the championship could slip away. For Piastri, Abu Dhabi is a chance to turn frustration into a victory, but only if he can replicate his Qatar form perfectly.
