Max Verstappen Secures 2023 Formula 1 World Championship in Qatar

Max Verstappen has won his third consecutive Formula 1 World Championship. The 26-year-old Red Bull driver secured the win on Saturday evening in Qatar, following the crash of rival Sergio Perez. Oscar Piastri placed first.

Verstappen had to finish a minimum of sixth in the race to the Qatar Grand Prix and wound up placing second. He’s won 13 out of 16 races this season already, with future races in Qatar, Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi before the end of the year.

"A fantastic feeling, it's been an incredible year. I feel super proud, but super proud of the job of the team,” Verstappen said post-race. “We'll keep on pushing but of course I'm incredibly happy at the moment.”

Verstappen joins a short list that includes Jack Brabham, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna as three-time world champions. He’ll continue racing for Red Bull in the years to come, having signed a contract that spans until the 2028 season.

In other sports news, the Golden State Warriors is expanding to the WNBA.