Max Verstappen clinches third consecutive F1 title in Qatar

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates after winning the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. (Toru Hanai/AP)

Max Verstappen secured his third straight Formula One drivers’ championship during Saturday’s sprint at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Verstappen, who has dominated the season with 13 wins through 16 events, just needed to finish sixth or higher in the sprint in order to clinch the title.

The Dutch driver crossed the finish line in second place behind pole-sitter Oscar Piastri of McLaren.

Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez, who has two victories on the season, was the only other driver remaining in contention entering the weekend. Perez retired from the sprint following a collision with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon on lap 11.

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Red Bull already locked up its second straight and sixth overall constructors’ championship during last month’s Japanese Grand Prix.

Verstappen will start on pole position for Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix.

Five events remain on the 2023 schedule after Qatar.

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