Marko hails Verstappen amid 'no end' to F1 surprises

Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has commended Max Verstappen after the Dutchman sealed his third Formula 1 World Championship in Qatar.

Verstappen ended the sprint race in second place, crossing the line behind Oscar Piastri.

The 26-year-old didn’t have a smooth race as he dropped from third to fifth on the opening lap, forcing him into a recovery drive.

He progressed past his rivals and into second place but couldn’t close down Piastri in the final laps for the win.

Nevertheless, it was enough for Verstappen to seal the title, capping off a dominant year.

Speaking to Viaplay after the race, Marko heaped praise on the Red Bull driver.

“Unbelievable,” he said. "The Safety Car unfortunately ruined our strategy.

“Otherwise we could have gone for the win. But we are World Champions, and that's all that matters.

"I've known Max for 10 years now, and I am always surprised. There is no end, it just goes on and on, it's incredible with him.”

After being crowned champion, Verstappen still has to focus on Sunday’s Grand Prix - meaning celebrations on Saturday evening will be calm.

"We will have a small party at the hotel,” Marko confirmed. “But with limited time, because we want to win the race on Sunday.

“We have to be fit. We have to be fully concentrated.”