Verstappen wins third F1 title after Perez crashes out of Qatar Sprint

Max Verstappen took his third Formula 1 World Championship during the Sprint race for the Qatar Grand Prix.

The Dutchman finished second on the road behind Sprint winner Oscar Piastri, after Sergio Pérez crashed out 12 laps into the 19-lap Sprint.

The Mexican was running three wide with Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg, when the Haas driver was sandwiched by the Alpine and Red Bull heading into Turn 4.

Both Ocon and Perez went off track and out of the race, while Hulkenberg continued with front wing damage.

The incident was the third Safety Car in an action-packed Sprint, after both Liam Lawson and Logan Sargeant caused the others for crashing out in the early laps.

Piastri managed to lead the field in the opening laps, before George Russell starting on the Soft tyres made his way past.

After the second Safety Car restart the Medium tyres showed better tyre life, enabling Piastri to make his way back past using DRS into the first corner.

This was the story throughout most of the field, as Russell tumbled behind Verstappen and Lando Norris.

Lewis Hamilton made his way past both Ferrari drivers, who started on the Soft, in the closing stages of the Sprint and rounded out the top five.

Alex Albon took home the final point in eighth, having made a move on Fernando Alonso on the final lap.