Formula's 2025 season will be settled by a thrilling three-way title decider in Abu Dhabi after Max Verstappen beat Oscar Piastri to victory in the Qatar Grand Prix and championship leader Lando Norris finished only fourth.

The battle for victory turned on the appearance of the Safety Car on lap seven after a collision over ninth place between Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly.

McLaren team-mates Piastri and Norris, running first and third at the time, did not pit whereas second-placed Verstappen did - with the Red Bull driver followed in for fresh tyres by most of the rest of the field.

With the race stints at this event being limited to a maximum of 25 laps due to tyre concerns on the high-speed track, it meant the McLaren duo had to build a lead over Verstappen from that point by pitting one more time than the Red Bull - which they were unable to do.

Piastri still finished second but Norris, who would have clinched his maiden title with a round to spare with a victory, only finished fourth. He was fifth on the penultimate lap until an error from Kimi Antonelli allowed the McLaren to slip through.

Verstappen is now Norris' nearest challenger in the standings, the Dutchman 12 points back on Norris. Piastri is a further four points behind ahead of next week's season-ending Abu Dhabi, live on Sky Sports F1.

Carlos Sainz also cashed in on McLaren's apparent strategy miscue to finish third for Williams, capping a fine weekend for the Spaniard.

More to follow…

The 2025 F1 season concludes with the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 from Friday. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime