Max Verstappen wins Formula 1 title for 3rd year in row

ANKARA

Red Bull Racing's driver Max Verstappen won his third Formula 1 title on Saturday.

Verstappen, who won the world title in 2021 and 2022, came second in the sprint race at the Lusail International Circuit, which is enough to be the victor in the 2023 season with six races remaining.

The Dutch racer only needed to finish sixth on Saturday to celebrate.

His nearest rival and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez crashed out of the sprint race.

McLaren's Oscar Piastri won the sprint and his teammate Lando Norris was third.

Verstappen won 13 Grands Prix to dominate the 2023 season.

He joined a group of drivers with three F1 titles in history, including Jack Brabham, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna.

Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher, and Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton, who is still active, have seven world titles each to hold the record.

Round 18, the 57-lap Qatar Grand Prix will take place at the 5.4 km Lusail International Circuit on Sunday, 1700GMT.

The season will end after Round 23 in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 26.