"decision not to follow the rest of the F1 grid by pitting under a safety car on Lap 7 of the race left the door open for Max Verstappen to win Sunday's grand prix and continue his astonishing push for a fifth world title, deprived Piastri of a crucial and deserved victory in that same title fight, and botched Lando Norris' first opportunity to either knock Verstappen out of contention completely or win it outright himself and end the season's three-way bout one race early."
"Instead, the blunder -- already a contender for one of the worst in F1's history, and perhaps it will be in standalone territory should Verstappen be celebrating another championship next weekend -- means the championship will be decided in Abu Dhabi for the first time since 2021's infamous finish. While Norris is still comfortably in control of his own destiny at that event, the talent and aura of Verstappen are both sizable."
McLaren's decision not to pit under the Lap 7 safety car allowed Max Verstappen to win the Qatar Grand Prix and extend his bid for a fifth world title. The strategy denied Oscar Piastri a deserved victory and ruined Lando Norris' chance to eliminate Verstappen or clinch the title in Qatar. The error followed McLaren's double disqualification in Las Vegas for plank wear, marking two costly mistakes in a week. The championship will now be decided in Abu Dhabi for the first time since 2021. Norris retains control of his destiny, but Verstappen's form and reputation keep his comeback a credible possibility.
Read at ESPN.com
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