Red Bull's Max Verstappen has been crowned Formula 1 world champion for a third successive year.
The Dutchman went into the sprint race of the Qatar Grand Prix weekend knowing that he needed only three points to join the prestigious list of three-time world champions.
In reality, the title was effectively sealed before Verstappen even crossed the line as his teammate and closest rival Sergio Perez crashed out of the race during a three-way collision with Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg.
The 26-year-old, who becomes the second-youngest driver to win three world titles after only Sebastian Vettel, continued to push until the end despite his final position ultimately not mattering, though, and recovered from dropping from third to fifth in the opening lap to eventually come home in second.
Verstappen was never out of the positions which would have secured him the title, and largely managed to stay clear of the main drama in an incident-packed race.
MAX VERSTAPPEN.
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 7, 2023
THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION! 👑👑👑 pic.twitter.com/IvcQOA5wu4
In addition to being a memorable race for Verstappen, the sprint was also one that McLaren's Oscar Piastri will never forget as he recorded his first-ever Formula 1 victory.
McLaren took the final spot on the podium too, with Lando Norris overtaking one-time race leader George Russell late on to claim third place.
There were three safety cars during the 19-lap event at the Lusail International Circuit, with a number of collisions and accidents disrupting a chaotic race.
In addition to Perez, Hulkenberg and Ocon going off, Liam Lawson and Logan Sargeant were also forced to retire, with both incidents resulting in the safety car being brought out.
Verstappen will now look to make it a perfect weekend by winning the race itself on Sunday as he sees out the remainder of the season as only the 11th driver to ever win three world titles.
Barney Corkhill
