Max Verstappen Credits McLaren’s “Interesting Move” for Qatar GP Win

Max Verstappen pointed out that McLaren's "interesting move" to not pit under the safety car helped him win the Qatar GP.

Max Verstappen Credits McLaren’s “Interesting Move” for Qatar GP Win

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

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Max Verstappen emerged victorious at the Qatar GP and has clinched the runner-up spot in the championship standings. The title win will be all to play for between Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Now, the Dutchman has recalled the ‘interesting’ strategic call from McLaren that cost them the race win and potentially even the title win.

Despite being over 104 points behind the championship leader after the Dutch GP in the 2025 season, Max Verstappen is now just 12 points adrift of the lead. Verstappen has shown no signs of slowing down and has equalled McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris for seven race wins this season.

During the Qatar GP, McLaren did not pit during the safety car period caused because of Nico Hulkenberg‘s crash at around Lap 8 of the race. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen pitted his car for new mediums and hence had an advantage for the entire race from there. Red Bull’s superior strategic call has enabled Verstappen to remain in championship contention and deny Piastri the Qatar GP win.

Now, Max Verstappen has shared his candid opinion on McLaren’s decision not to pit either of the cars under the safety car. Verstappen recalled the moment and insisted that he believed that it was an interesting move, and that probably was the braking point for the Papaya Squad. Moreover, the Dutchman labeled his outing on Sunday as incredible. The 28-year-old continued that he achieved the race win in a weekend that was tough for Red Bull.

This was an incredible race for us, we made the right call to box under that Safety Car. A strong race for us on a weekend that was tough. ….[When McLaren did not pit] I was like ‘that is an interesting move.’

Max Verstappen said in a post-race interview.

Max Verstappen labels his Qatar GP win as ‘unbelievable’

Max Verstappen was understandably overjoyed after winning the Qatar GP, especially after the difficulties he faced at the beginning of the race weekend. Verstappen has cut down the point deficit to just 12 points and hence will give it his all at the Abu Dhabi GP. As things currently stand, the Dutchman will have to win the race while Lando Norris finishes in atleast P4 or below, to have the former win the title this year.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Regardless, Max Verstappen put forth his delight on the team radio and congratulated the team on the success. Verstappen claimed that it was unbelievable to bring home the race win, especially after the difficulties. Further, he applauded the great strategic call that helped him deny McLaren the winning opportunity. The 28-year-old highlighted that he enjoyed the outing despite the initial struggles in the race weekend.

Yeah, its unbelievable. Really well done with the strategy. We keep staying in it. I enjoyed it. Really well done guys, really well done.

Max Verstappen noted.

The driver’s title battle is far from over despite the season finale right around the corner. The championship will go three-way between Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri at the Abu Dhabi GP. It will be extremely exciting and nail-biting to witness which driver comes out on top and wins the driver’s championship in the 2025 season.

Read More: Oscar Piastri Predicts A “Pretty Tough Race” After Stealing the Qatar GP Pole from Lando Norris