Lando Norris’ Gesture To Max Verstappen Spotted After Qatar GP Win
Max Verstappen claimed pole position in the Qatar Grand Prix, taking the F1 title to the final race.
Lando Norris' gesture to Max Verstappen has been spotted after he claimed a monumental victory in the Qatar Grand Prix.
Norris had the chance to win his first ever F1 championship at the Lusail International Circuit but an excellent showing from reigning champ Verstappen ensured the title will be decided on the final day in Abu Dhabi.
The Red Bull driver overtook the McLaren man just seconds into the race and powered his way to a seventh win of the season to take 25 points and set up a grand finale in the desert next weekend.
Norris collected 12 points and finished in fourth, behind third-placed Carlos Sainz Jr and second-placed McLaren colleague and title rival Oscar Piastri, who stated the race in P1 after winning the final Sprint of the season.
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The 26-year-old hit out at his team's strategy on team radio for how they handled the battle with Verstappen.
However, even with his emotions high, Norris showed his class at the end of the race. Footage showed him driving towards the Dutchman and appearing to give him a thumbs up as a way of congratulating him on his triumph.
Reflecting on the race and it all going down to the wire, Norris said: "I mean it is not all bad obviously. It has been a really good weekend, the pace has been very strong but it is a little bit tough to swallow at the moment."
How Verstappen can win fifth F1 title in a row
Verstappen's incredible late season form, coupled with costly mistakes for McLaren, has set up quite the last race at the Yas Marina.
Norris is still in the driving seat on 408 points, but Verstappen is only 12 behind on 396. Piastri currently occupies third with 392 points and is still in with a chance of winning the title himself.
If Verstappen claims another win next week and Norris is P4 or lower, he will win a fifth consecutive F1 title.
Should Norris finish P3 or better at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he will guarantee a first ever F1 title - no matter where Verstappen and Piastri finish.
Meanwhile, Piastri will be crowned F1 champion if he emerges victorious and Norris finishes P6 or lower.
Assessing his title chances after a huge win, Verstappen said: "It's possible now but we will see. I don't really worry about it too much.
"This was an incredible race for us, we made the right call as a team to box under that safety car and yeah that was smart.
"Super happy to win here, we stayed in the fight until the end. Incredible."
Topics: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Formula 1, Oscar Piastri
Josh Lawless