Max Verstappen clinched victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, marked by mid-race safety cars and a controversial 10-second penalty for McLaren’s Lando Norris. Norris was penalized for failing to adhere to yellow flags, a situation highlighted by Verstappen himself. Meanwhile, the FIA faces scrutiny over race management, as both Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz suffered punctures from track debris. Following the race, McLaren’s hopes for a constructors’ championship title were dashed, leading them to the final race in Abu Dhabi with a slim lead over Ferrari.