{"id":295164,"date":"2025-11-30T18:19:43","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T16:19:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/bloemnuus\/max-verstappen-qatar-grand-prix-title-fight-final-race-showdown\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T16:47:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T14:47:14","slug":"max-verstappen-qatar-grand-prix-title-fight-final-race-showdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/bloemnewsexpress\/max-verstappen-qatar-grand-prix-title-fight-final-race-showdown\/","title":{"rendered":"Verstappen wins to set up thrilling championship finale"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday to set up a final race title showdown with McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Red Bull driver maintained his quest for a fifth successive crown after pole-sitter Piastri finished second and standings leader Norris came only fourth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Williams’ Carlos Sainz finished third in the Qatar Grand Prix. Photo: Karim JAAFAR \/ AFP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Verstappen’s remarkable late-season surge has lifted him past Piastri and into second in the championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dutchman now goes into the season-closer next weekend only 12 points behind Norris, with Piastri 16 points behind his teammate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verstappen cherishes fond memories of the last time the title went down to the wire when he beat Lewis Hamilton on the last lap of the last race in Abu Dhabi in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/novanews.co.za\/verstappen-on-course-for-title-no-5\/\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday, setting up a title showdown against Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri next 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wins to set up thrilling championship finale | BloemNews Express<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Max Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix to close gap on Lando Norris. 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