Summing up
So, Max Verstappen joins Jack Brabham, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet on three world titles, with only five drivers ahead of them in F1 history. He didn’t win today’s sprint race but, in zipping through the field to take second, still effortlessly drove like a champion. The Dutchman is firm favourite to celebrate it in style with victory in tomorrow’s Qatar Grand Prix. Plaudits too for Oscar Piastri, who underlined his potential with sprint victory, losing then regaining the lead and winning well.
Stay on the site for more reports and reaction, and join us again tomorrow for lap by lap coverage of the big race in Lusail. Thanks for following. Bye.
Verstappen speaks: “It’s a fantastic feeling,” he says. “It’s been an incredible year, with a lot of great races, and so enjoyable to be part of it with that group of people, We’ll keep on pushing [for more titles] and try to do the best we can. It was an exciting race today – a shame about the safety cars but it was fun out there.
“Piastri drove a great race – he was on the medium tyres, which had more grip at the beginning. I tried my best to catch up but couldn’t manage it. I’m enjoying the moment and hopefully we can keep that momentum going.”
Along comes race-winner Piastri. “I’m very happy,” chirps the rookie. “I thought we were were in trouble when we saw the soft [tyre] guys come through at there start – the safety cars were my friend today. When Max got behind me it was a challenge but I thought we did a good job with the tyres and everything. And anything you can try and learn for tomorrow will be important as well.
