Verstappen details problem in Qatar Sprint title run

Max Verstappen has described his troubles in the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint race as "not easy" as he claimed a third World Championship.

Verstappen was crowned mid-way through the Lusail race after team-mate Sergio Perez crashed out after contact between Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg, only requiring a top six place to clinch the title before Perez's incident.

The Dutchman gave pursuit of Oscar Piastri in the closing stages, but the Australian actually pulled out a further gap over the Red Bull with Lando Norris completing the podium places.

The result means Verstappen joins Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna as a three-time champion - but the race was not without its problems.

"It was not easy because we were on the Medium tyres and there were some Soft starters around and they had a bit more grip in the beginning.

"I tried everything I could to try and catch up [to Piastri] but he did very well.

"It was quite an exciting race and it was a bit of a shame with the Safety Cars, but overall it was good fun out there.

"It is a fantastic feeling, it has been an incredible year, great races and I am super proud of the job the team has done.

"It has been so enjoyable to part of that group of people and to be a three-time World Champion is just incredible."