What is a sprint race in F1 and how does new qualifying shootout work?

Max Verstappen hails third F1 world title as his best

Max Verstappen hailed his third Formula One world title as the finest of his career – and vowed to celebrate by downing a few sparkling waters.

The 26-year-old Dutchman has emulated Sir Jackie Stewart and Ayrton Senna after being crowned a triple world champion with six grands prix still remaining – equalling Michael Schumacher’s 21-year-old record.

Red Bull’s Verstappen has dominated Formula One since he beat Lewis Hamilton to clinch his maiden championship at the deeply controversial season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021.

Kieran Jackson7 October 2023 21:50

Max Verstappen seals 2023 F1 world title during Qatar sprint race

Max Verstappen has won the 2023 F1 world championship after Sergio Perez crashed in the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix on Saturday night.

Red Bull driver Verstappen, 26, has won an astonishing 13 out of 16 races this season as well as two of the four sprint races, which includes a memorable 12-race (including sprints) win streak from Miami in May to Italy in September.

Needing to only finish in the top-six to seal the title in the shortened 100km dash at the Lusail International Circuit on Saturday night, Verstappen now cannot be caught by second-placed team-mate Sergio Perez with six races and two sprints to go, after Perez crashed in the sprint.

Kieran Jackson7 October 2023 21:24

Max Verstappen breaks unique 40-year F1 streak after title win in Qatar

Max Verstappen has become just the fifth driver in Formula 1 history to clinch the world title on a Saturday – and the first in 40 years.

The Dutchman, who has won every grand prix bar three this season, sealed his third straight world title after Sergio Perez crashed in the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix on Saturday, leaving his team-mate unable to catch him with six races and two sprints to go.

Verstappen has been unstoppable throughout 2023 and, despite his dislike of the sprint race format, secured his 2023 crown in the 100km dash around the Lusail International Circuit on Saturday night.

It marks the end of a streak dating back to 1983 of drivers clinching the world title on a Sunday, the traditional day of a grand prix race.

Kieran Jackson7 October 2023 21:10

Max Verstappen’s best moments as he wins 2023 F1 world title

Max Verstappen has clinched his third world championship.

The most one-sided Formula One campaign of recent memory was dominated by the Dutch driver.

Kieran Jackson7 October 2023 20:56

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali on Verstappen’s title win:

“Huge congratulations to Max Verstappen on his incredible achievements this year and to the Red Bull team who have all worked tirelessly to win the driver’s and constructors titles this season.

“Max is an amazing talent and what he has done this year has been phenomenal.”

Kieran Jackson7 October 2023 20:40

Christian Horner after Max Verstappen sealed the world title:

“Max is the most competitive driver I’ve ever met, the determination he drives with and the abundance of skill he has – he’s up there with the very, very best.

“This season has surpassed anything we’ve seen – we did a lot of winning with Sebastian but this has taken it to yet another level. He’s only 26 and he’ll still only get better, evolve and get better as a driver.

“The self-belief to go out and deliver is quite outstanding. His ability to be at one with the car, that self-belief is absolutely standout.”

Kieran Jackson7 October 2023 20:27

Max Verstappen’s dad Jos Verstappen:

“He was so dominant this year, we are very proud of that. We made the right decisions in the beginning of his career, I’m very happy with how strong he is and the way he works for it.

“We have to enjoy it!”

Kieran Jackson7 October 2023 20:13

Max Verstappen breaks unique 40-year F1 streak after title win in Qatar

Max Verstappen has become just the fifth driver in Formula 1 history to clinch the world title on a Saturday – and the first in 40 years.

The Dutchman, who has won every grand prix bar three this season, sealed his third straight world title after Sergio Perez crashed in the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix on Saturday, leaving his team-mate unable to catch him with six races and two sprints to go.

Verstappen has been unstoppable throughout 2023 and, despite his dislike of the sprint race format, secured his 2023 crown in the 100km dash around the Lusail International Circuit on Saturday night.

It marks the end of a streak dating back to 1983 of drivers clinching the world title on a Sunday, the traditional day of a grand prix race.

Kieran Jackson7 October 2023 20:01

Lando Norris after finishing third:

“Congrats to Oscar and Max, first win earlier than mine! Tough race for me, bad start, but had some fun racing. Another podium for us so it’s been a mega day for the team.

“Tough fight, not the best of beginnings.

“I’ve been trying a long time, Oscar has done a mega job. I’ve made a lot of mistakes and he hasn’t, hats off to him.”

Kieran Jackson7 October 2023 19:53

Max Verstappen:

“To be a third time world champion is just incredible. We’ll keep on pushing, today was an exciting race.

“It was fun out there, incredibly happy at the moment. Oscar drove a great race, he did very well.”

On future: “We’ll see what happens, enjoy the moment. Hoepfully we can keep this momentum going for a while!”

Kieran Jackson7 October 2023 19:40