F1 Qatar Grand Prix: Max Verstappen Secures 2023 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship as Oscar Piastri Wins Sprint

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing won the 2023 Formula 1 world championship with a second-place finish in the Qatar Grand Prix sprint race. Although there were several major delays, Oscar Piastri of McLaren came out on top. The 19-lap race featured multiple safety car periods and displayed strategic dynamics among drivers, with many opting to use soft tyres for early advantages. However, as the race progressed, they encountered difficulties from tyre graining and restarts caused by the safety car. Sergio Perez's elimination after a three-car accident that prompted the third safety-car period was a turning point in the race. This incident basically ensured that Verstappen would win the championship. At the beginning of the race, Piastri, who had started on the pole with medium tyres, held on to the lead as the front-row starters, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, struggled with their yellow-walled rubber and fell behind the pack of cars that had chosen the soft tyres, which included George Russell, Carlos Sainz, and Charles Leclerc.

Also Read: F1: Mercedes W14 to Get More Upgrades to Compete with Ferrari for P2 in Constructor Championship

F1 Qatar Grand Prix: Lusail International Circuit Sprint Race Result

The race got back underway on lap 15 after the final safety car period was over. To address his tyre degradation concerns during the final safety car period, George Russell had an intense debate with his Mercedes engineer. His team, however, dismissed this suggestion. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri quickly increased his lead over Russell, and Max Verstappen took second place with a decisive DRS-assisted move into Turn 1 on the next lap. At that time, Piastri had pulled away by 2.6 seconds from the regaining Red Bull driver.

Two of the final three laps were the fastest for Verstappen, but he was unable to cut into Piastri's lead sufficiently to make a serious challenge. Piastri maintained his lead with ease and crossed the line 1.8 seconds ahead of Verstappen. After the third safety car period ended, Lando Norris made a remarkable comeback, passing both Ferrari drivers in the first two laps to reclaim third place. In the final lap, Norris made a brilliant pass on George Russell for fourth place by going around the outside of Turn 1.

Lewis Hamilton, Russell's teammate, came in fifth. After being eliminated in Q2 of the sprint qualifying session, putting him on the grid in 12th place, Hamilton's performance jumped significantly. The crash involving Ocon, Hulkenberg, and Perez just ahead of him and the Ferrari drivers' struggles in the closing laps helped him make up ground on the field.

Also Read: F1 Qatar Grand Prix: Liam Lawson to Race at Lusail for AlphaTauri, Ricciardo told him via FaceTime

F1: Max Verstappen Becomes 3 Time Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion

Max Verstappen's dominating performance propelled him to the top of the racing world, and he took home his third Formula 1 Drivers' World Championship. When the dust settled from the chaotic sprint round at the Qatar Grand Prix, he triumphantly took second place, behind winner Oscar Piastri.

With his third world championship under his belt, Max Verstappen, now 26 years old, joins the ranks of racing greats like Sir Jackie Stewart and Ayrton Senna. It's a remarkable feat, especially considering there are still six exciting F1 races to come.

Following his controversial victory over seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at the 2021 season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen has been unbeatable in Formula 1. His dominance culminated under the bright lights of the Lusail International Circuit, where he finished second and clinched the championship when Sergio Perez crashed out with only eight laps remaining.

At Sunday's highly anticipated 57-lap Grand Prix in Qatar, the celebration of Verstappen's triumph will begin with a resplendent championship parade.

Source