Max Verstappen wins a third-straight F1 world title after finishing second at Qatar Grand Prix Sprint Race

Max Verstappen has made it a hat-trick of F1 world titles after being crowned the 2023 champion following an incident-laden Qatar Grand Prix Sprint Race.

The Red Bull star practically won his third-straight championship when team-mate Sergio Perez crashed out at the Lusail circuit in a three-way collision involving Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg.

Going into the race, Verstappen knew he had only to ensure he did not lose more than five points to Perez to achieve the three-peat. Perez’s retirement ensured that outcome, while he finished second.

Verstappen said to his team over the radio: “I don’t know what to say. Incredible year. Thank you for providing me with such a car. It has been a pleasure so far this year.”

The Dutchman finished behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri – while the latter’s team-mate Lando Norris rounded out the podium with a third-place finish.

It’ll be a race that Piastri and Verstappen will never forget in a dramatic race that saw three safety cars triggered by a series of accidents and collisions.