Max Verstappen celebrated his third consecutive world title on Saturday after finishing second in the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix, calling his victory “fantastic.” The Australian rookie, Oscar Piastri, claimed his first Formula One win, but Verstappen’s achievement took center stage, as he only needed three points to secure the title. Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, retired from the race due to a collision, making Verstappen the first “Saturday champion” since Nelson Piquet in 1983.
“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,” said the 26-year-old Verstappen to his team over the car radio.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner described Verstappen as “phenomenal” and “out of this world.”
Piastri’s win marked McLaren’s first victory since Daniel Ricciardo’s triumph in the 2021 Italian Grand Prix and only the second time Red Bull had been defeated this season.
Verstappen secured the championship with six races remaining, the largest margin since Michael Schumacher’s 2002 title for Ferrari.
Verstappen’s achievement also elevated him into the exclusive group of three-time champions alongside Jack Brabham, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna, and Jackie Stewart. He joined an even more elite group of drivers who have won three titles in a row, including Juan Manuel Fangio, Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton.
“It has been a fantastic feeling and a fantastic year. We have had some great races, and I am super proud of the team job. It is so enjoyable to be a part of this group of people. To win three times is incredible,” added Verstappen.
He expressed his desire to continue racing and winning, with no specific records in mind but a commitment to keep pushing and doing their best.
Verstappen, who secured pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix, now holds an insurmountable 184-point lead with six races remaining in the season.
Piastri, after his maiden win, said, “I am very happy, but that was a stressful race. We did a great job.”
In the race results, Lando Norris from McLaren finished third, followed by Mercedes’ George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, with the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in sixth and seventh places. Alex Albon from Williams finished eighth, while two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin came in ninth, and Pierre Gasly of Alpine secured the tenth position.
The sprint race took place under floodlights at the Lusail International Circuit, with Piastri taking the lead after an impressive start. Verstappen, on course for the championship, comfortably held fifth position during the race.
During the race, Piastri faced challenges from Russell, Sainz, and Leclerc, who had chosen softer tires for better grip. Verstappen, showing Red Bull’s speed, advanced to third place by passing both Ferraris on the straight.
In a dramatic turn of events, Perez, Verstappen’s teammate, was involved in a collision with Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg, which resulted in him spinning across the gravel and retiring from the race. This effectively ended Perez’s mathematical hopes for the championship and secured Verstappen’s third title.
As the race resumed on lap 16, Verstappen, determined not to clinch the title without a win, overtook Russell to take second place and began his pursuit of Piastri.
