QATAR: VERSTAPPEN WINS AHEAD OF PIASTRI, PODIUM FOR SAINZ

Verstappen triumphs in Qatar ahead of Oscar Piastri thanks to a brilliant strategy and closes the championship gap to -12. Piastri, who led for most of the race, owes his second place to a strategic error by the pit wall, which effectively handed victory to the Dutchman. Taking advantage of the mistake is Carlos Sainz in the Williams, who secures his second podium of the season. Ferrari collapses, finishing the championship in fourth place in the Constructors’ standings. The title will therefore be decided at the final race in Abu Dhabi.

GIOVANNI’S COMMENTARY
Both on track and morally, the winner is Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. After a difficult sprint, the Dutch driver rediscovered his performance and, thanks to the team’s perfect strategy, reduced the gap to just 12 points behind Norris, the championship leader. A good weekend also for Tsunoda, who scored points in both the sprint and the main race.

McLaren comes out defeated on a track where the MCL39 is clearly superior. After winning the sprint with Piastri, the Woking team delivered a true disaster in the race. Now the team must make a decision, otherwise Verstappen may be the one to capitalize.

Carlos Sainz returns to the podium, delivering a flawless race thanks also to excellent work from the pit wall. Albon continues to struggle and now risks being overtaken in the drivers’ standings by his teammate.

At Mercedes, Antonelli continues to shine, once again finishing ahead of his teammate. The Silver Arrows are now very close to securing second place in the Constructors’ Championship.

Another disaster for Ferrari. Leclerc salvages what he can, while Hamilton sinks even deeper. The British driver might even start thinking about retirement. Another season this disastrous does not seem like the right choice, and I don’t think he can withstand it — not to mention the damage to his image, because in 2026, with another similar season, people would remember him for two negative years in red rather than for his seven world titles.

Aston Martin sees the lion of Oviedo roar once more: Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard extracts the maximum — albeit limited — potential from his car. Stroll remains lost.

At Racing Bull, Lawson finishes ahead of his teammate, who nonetheless has a strong weekend. Important points for the Faenza team in the Constructors’ fight.

A weekend to forget for Haas, with Bearman retiring with a penalty and Ocon in great difficulty.
Alpine starts well, with excellent qualifying from Gasly, but must give up on the points after contact with Hülkenberg. Colapinto finishes fourteenth thanks to several retirements.

Finally, Sauber. Hülkenberg commits a rookie mistake in the collision with Gasly. Bortoleto is slowly improving but still outside the points.

Author: Gabriele Bovio