MAXIMUM IMPACT!

MCLAREN BLUNDER HANDS VERSTAPPEN A LIFELINE AS IT ALL COMES DOWN TO ABU DHABI SHOWDOWN

- By PHILIP DUNCAN PA Formula 1 Correspondent

LANDO Norris’ bid to become champion of the world will go toa season finale in Abu Dhabi next weekend after Max Verstappen cashed in on a calamitous McLaren strategy decision to win the Qatar Grand Prix.

Norris, who finished only fourth, will head to the showdown just 12 points ahead of Verstappen with Oscar Piastri, runner-up to the Red Bull driver under the lights on Sunday, 16 points adrift - with 25 left to play for.

McLaren were in control of the 57-lap contest, despite Norris dropping from second to third behind Verstappen at the start.

Piastri led, but both he and Norris were told not to pit when a safety car was deployed on the seventh lap after Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly collided.

Of the other 18 drivers, only Haas’ Esteban Ocon elected not to stop for new tyres with two stops mandatory here.