Max Verstappen dominated the chaotic Qatar Grand Prix, leading every lap from start to finish in his first race since securing the world championship. The Dutchman made a perfect start from second place to take the lead into Turn 1.

Lando Norris initially challenged for the lead but saw his race unravel after receiving a 10-second stop-go penalty for failing to slow under yellow flags. The penalty dropped him to the back, though he recovered to 10th with the fastest lap bonus point.

Charles Leclerc claimed second place ahead of Oscar Piastri in third, benefiting from well-timed safety car periods following punctures for Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz. The result kept Ferrari's constructors' championship hopes alive, reducing McLaren's lead to 21 points with one round remaining.

George Russell finished fourth despite a slow pit stop, while Pierre Gasly secured valuable points for Alpine with fifth place. Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Zhou Guanyu (scoring Sauber's first points of the season), Kevin Magnussen, and the penalized Norris rounded out the top 10.

Several incidents shaped the race, including a first-corner clash that eliminated Esteban Ocon and Franco Colapinto, and Sergio Perez's retirement due to technical issues. Lewis Hamilton struggled throughout, finishing 12th after receiving a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pit lane.

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