- Red Bull driver second in short-form race behind Oscar Piastri
- Dutchman equals record of winning title with six races to go
Much as it was a mere formality, Max Verstappen nonetheless closed out his third Formula One world championship with all the assured control with which he has absolutely dictated this season. The Dutchman sealed the title with an at times tense but decisive drive, taking second place in the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix meeting.
It concludes what has been an utterly dominant season for Verstappen and his Red Bull team, who have now taken the drivers’ and constructors’ championship double this year, the team’s sixth.