Max Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix 2023 in dramatic fashion

Max Verstappen claimed the win in the Qatar Grand Prix 2023. The race saw a collision between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell after sliding into the grovel around turn 1. Hamilton retired from the race, but Russell recovered and finished a commendable fourth in the race for Mercedes. It was Verstappen who won the race and took the glory with him. 

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McLaren team orders were questioned by Norris. There were orders to hold station behind Piastri for the last stint. In the end, it turned out to be a huge haul for McLaren in the Qatar Grand Prix. It was announced before the race that there would be some pit stops. A total of 19 drivers took part in the race. Verstappen was placed ahead of Mercedes drivers due to better qualifying results. 

Carlos Sainz did not start the race early due to a fuel leak. Nico Hulkenberg received a 10-second penalty for starting from a vacant P12 grid slot. Following it, Lewis Hamilton collided with Russell around the turn 1. The 7-time champion did not take part in the event further. Hamilton was called by Pete Bonnington. Verstappen got a lead following the incident. Piastri and Norris challenged Verstappen. 

'I got taken out by my own team-mate' - Lewis Hamilton

"Let us know if you’re okay, mate," asked Bonnington to Hamilton. The champion racer replied saying "Yeah, I got taken out by my own team-mate." Russell got down the car and said "So sorry, guys. I wasn’t even looking behind, I was just focussed ahead and he just came from nowhere." But later on, Russell continued the race. Verstappen made the best use of the lead he got. 

In the end, Verstappen claimed the win after finishing the final lap. Verstappen took 1 hour, 27 minutes, and 39 seconds to finish the race. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris ended up in second and third places respectively. George Russell finished fourth despite suffering a collision with Hamilton early in the race. Logan Sargeant suffered an illness and did not complete the race.