Red Bull's Max Verstappen crowned Formula One Champion for the third time

Max Verstappen was crowned Formula One Champion for the third time after he finished second to Oscar Piastri in Saturday's chaotic sprint round in Qatar Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old Dutchman emulated Sir Jackie Stewart and Ayrton Senna by wrapping up his third title with six Grand Prix’s still remaining - equalling Michael Schumacher's 21-year-old record.

Red Bull's Verstappen has dominated Formula One since he beat seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to clinch his maiden title at the deeply controversial season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021.

Three safety cars triggered by a series of accidents and collisions created a dramatic spectacle under the lights at the Lusail circuit won by McLaren's Oscar Piastri.

Verstappen fought back after dropping from third on the grid to fifth on the first lap but could not quite catch Piastri.

McLaren's Lando Norris passed Mercedes' George Russell late on to take third.