Formula One Norris rues 'wrong decision' by McLaren in Qatar

LANDO Norris said he just wanted to go to bed after Max Verstappen cashed in on a calamitous McLaren strategy decision to win the Qatar Grand Prix and take his British rival to a mouthwatering season finale.

- Philip DUNCAN

Lando Norris speaks to the media after Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix

(Getty Images)

Norris was bidding to be crowned world champion in Doha, but he finished only fourth and will head to the 24th and concluding round in Abu Dhabi guarding only a 12-point lead over Verstappen, with teammate Oscar Piastri, runner-up to the Red Bull driver here, 16 points back.

McLaren were in control of the 57-lap contest, despite Norris dropping behind Verstappen from second to third 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 take on new tyres with two stops mandatory.