MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS HIS THIRD CONSECUTIVE F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Max Verstappen tonight crowned himself Formula One world champion for the third time in a row. The 26-year-old driver saw closest rival Sergio Perez crash and so Verstappen is an instant champion.

Verstappen needed only sixth place in the sprint race, but that was beyond Perez's failure. The Mexican was thrown off and so the Limburger was unbeatable in the world championship.

For Verstappen, it means his third world title in a row, following previous championships in 2021 and 2022. In doing so, Verstappen equals Michael Schumacher, who in a 2002 also became champion six GPs before the end of the season. Verstappen still has races to go this year in Qatar, the US, Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi.