Max Verstappen celebrates his title with his 14th victory of the season at the Qatar Grand Prix

If Max Verstappen obtained his title with an almost insipid second place on Saturday, he made up for it well. The Red Bull driver won the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday October 8, his 14^e victory in 17 races this season. The Dutchman beat the two McLarens of Oscar Piastri, winner the day before, and Lando Norris, who further confirm their rank as the new second power in the field in this last third of the season.

In a Grand Prix much less hectic than the sprint the day before and its three safety car interventions, the world champion simply had to pay attention to his strategy. With the Pirelli tires limited to a maximum of 18 laps due to the sand dotting the track, all drivers had to pit at least three times. Nothing to disconcert the Red Bull team.

A perfect reflection of his control over the season, Max Verstappen managed to take a lap lead from his teammate Sergio Perez (only 9^e), who was the only one who could delay his coronation this weekend.

Collision between the two Mercedes

The only real twist only took place at the very first corner of the race, when the two Mercedes of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, then respectively second and third, collided leaving Hamilton behind. Russell had a superb race, with the knife between his teeth to finish 4^e when he completed the first lap at the back of the pack.

Behind, Charles Leclerc, the only Ferrari in the running this Sunday after an incident with that of Carlos Sainz before the start, finished 5^e. Mixed fortunes for Alpine drivers, with Esteban Ocon, solid 7^eand Pierre Gasly only 12^edue to two penalties for exceeding the track limits. Relive the race.