Hamilton "had no idea" Verstappen won Qatar GP amid dismal weekend

Lewis Hamilton was visibly surprised after learning Max Verstappen had won the Qatar Grand Prix, moments after finishing a difficult race weekend in P12. Verstappen capitalized on a McLaren strategy error to secure his seventh win of the season, significantly closing the championship gap to Lando Norris and setting up a thrilling finale in Abu Dhabi.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's unawareness highlights the intense focus drivers maintain during a race, often oblivious to the broader competitive landscape beyond their immediate battles. For Verstappen, this win underscores his relentless pursuit of a fifth consecutive world title, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on rivals' missteps and maintain championship pressure.

The Details:

• Hamilton, reflecting on his challenging P12 finish, admitted in the media pen that he was completely unaware of the race outcome, asking, "How's Max 12 behind now?"
• Upon learning Verstappen won, he exclaimed, "Max won? Oh, shoot, I didn't know, I had no idea. Wow, holy sh*t. No, no, I thought Piastri won, I don't know."
• He was also surprised to learn Lando Norris finished fourth and Oscar Piastri second, leading to his comment, "So Oscar's third now [in the championship]? Well that's exciting! Goes right to the wire!"
• Verstappen's Comeback: Verstappen has clawed back a 104-point deficit since the Dutch Grand Prix in August, showcasing his and Red Bull's formidable performance.
• Hamilton praised Verstappen, stating, "Well, we all know Max does a great job. I think he's got a phenomenal team behind him, which there's no denying they've had the best car over the last four years."
• He acknowledged Red Bull's mid-season resurgence, noting, "And maybe less so at the beginning of this year, but they somehow came back." Hamilton added, "He's obviously got a great car, but he does an amazing job with it, so I can't fault him."

The big picture:

The closing stages of the 2025 season have proven to be incredibly unpredictable. Verstappen's consistent drive and strategic wins, combined with unexpected outcomes for other frontrunners, have set the stage for a dramatic three-way title fight. Hamilton's reaction, while surprising, also highlights the intense, almost isolating, experience of being in the cockpit, focusing solely on one's own race.

What's next:

The championship battle now heads to the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Verstappen will contend for a fifth consecutive world title against Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The final race is poised to be a thrilling showdown, with the outcome entirely uncertain.