Over the past weekend, Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing emerged as the 2023 Formula 1 world champion following a commanding show at the Qatar Grand Prix, which took place at the Losail International Circuit.
This achievement marks Verstappen’s third consecutive championship, and he secured it even before the primary race on Sunday. This was due to his performance in the Saturday Sprint race, where he placed second behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. The points from this race were sufficient to establish an insurmountable lead over his main competitor this season, teammate Sergio Perez, who had to retire from the race.
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Verstappen showed no signs of letting up during Sunday’s principal event. He effortlessly claimed victory, thereby winning 14 of the 17 races conducted this season to date. This tally is just one win shy of his own single-season record of 15 victories, established in the previous year—a record likely to be surpassed given that there are five more races left in this season’s calendar.
For the starting grid, Verstappen was in the pole position, accompanied closely by George Russell of Mercedes-Benz AMG. Prior to the race, the FIA issued a mandate concerning tire degradation problems with Pirelli’s tires earlier in the event. According to the directive, drivers were not permitted to complete more than 18 laps on a single set of tires, necessitating a minimum of three pit stops for the 57-lap race.
Highlights from the 2023 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix
Despite potential pitfalls, Verstappen executed seamless pit stops. Even though his lead position fluctuated during the various stints, he ultimately maintained control and concluded the race nearly five seconds ahead of Piastri, who himself had an outstanding performance throughout the weekend. Lando Norris of McLaren finished in third place, roughly six seconds behind Verstappen.
Other noteworthy incidents include a collision between Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and George Russell early in the race. The incident led to Hamilton veering off the track, thereby terminating his participation in the race. Russell was compelled to pit for evaluations on potential damage and consequently fell to the rear of the lineup, although he made a modest recovery.
Carlos Sainz of Ferrari was unable to compete due to an unresolved fuel system issue in his car. Daniel Ricciardo of AlphaTauri was also absent from this race due to a continuing wrist injury, affording reserve driver Liam Lawson another opportunity behind the wheel.
As it stands, Verstappen leads the 2023 Drivers’ Championship with 433 points, followed by Perez with 194 and Hamilton also with 194. In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull had already secured the title in the preceding Japanese Grand Prix with 623 points. They are followed by Mercedes with 305 points and Ferrari with 285 points. The next race is scheduled to take place at the Circuit of the Americas for the United States Grand Prix in two weeks.
Full Results from the 2023 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
- Oscar Piastri, McLaren +4.833 seconds
- Lando Norris, McLaren +5.969 seconds
- George Russell, Mercedes-Benz AMG +34.119 seconds
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari +38.976 seconds
- Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin +49.032 seconds
- Esteban Ocon, Alpine +62.390 seconds
- Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo +66.563 seconds
- Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo +76.127 seconds
- Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing +80.181 seconds
- Lance Stroll, Aston Martin +81.652 seconds
- Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri +82.300 seconds
- Alexander Albon, Williams + 91.014 seconds
- Kevin Magnussen, Haas +1 lap
- Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri +1 lap
- Nico Hulkenberg, Haas +1 lap
- Liam Lawson, AlphaTauri +1 lap
NC) Logan Sargeant, Williams – DNF
NC) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-Benz AMG – DNF
NC) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari – DNS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Max Verstappen 2023 Formula 1 Champion
Who won the 2023 Formula 1 world championship?
Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing secured the 2023 Formula 1 world championship following a commanding performance at the Qatar Grand Prix held at the Losail International Circuit.
How did Max Verstappen secure his title before the main race?
Verstappen secured his championship title even before the main race on Sunday due to his performance in the Saturday Sprint race. He finished second behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, earning enough points to establish an insurmountable lead over his main competitor this season, teammate Sergio Perez.
How many races has Max Verstappen won so far in the 2023 season?
Max Verstappen has won 14 of the 17 races conducted in the 2023 season as of the Qatar Grand Prix.
What was the FIA’s mandate regarding Pirelli’s tires for this race?
Prior to the race, the FIA issued a mandate stating that drivers could not complete more than 18 laps on a single set of Pirelli tires. This decision was made in response to tire degradation issues earlier in the event and meant that all drivers needed a minimum of three pit stops for the 57-lap race.
Who finished second and third in the Qatar Grand Prix?
Oscar Piastri of McLaren finished second, nearly five seconds behind Verstappen. Lando Norris, also of McLaren, finished third, roughly six seconds behind Verstappen.
Were there any notable incidents during the race?
Yes, there was a collision between Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in the early stages of the race, resulting in Hamilton veering off track and exiting the race. Additionally, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari was unable to compete due to an unresolved fuel system issue, and Daniel Ricciardo of AlphaTauri sat out due to a continuing wrist injury.
What are the current standings in the 2023 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships?
As of the Qatar Grand Prix, Max Verstappen leads the Drivers’ Championship with 433 points. Sergio Perez is in second place with 194 points, and Lewis Hamilton is also at 194 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull Racing has already secured the title with 623 points, followed by Mercedes with 305 points and Ferrari with 285 points.
When and where is the next race scheduled?
The next race in the Formula 1 calendar is the United States Grand Prix, which will be held at the Circuit of the Americas in two weeks.
More about Max Verstappen 2023 Formula 1 Champion
- Official Formula 1 Website
- Red Bull Racing Team’s Official Website
- FIA Official Website
- Losail International Circuit
- McLaren Official Website
- Mercedes-Benz AMG F1 Team
- Formula 1 2023 Season Calendar
- Pirelli Motorsport
- Circuit of the Americas
- Formula 1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship Standings
10 comments
I’m not a Red Bull fan but gotta hand it to Max. Guy knows how to win and put on a show while at it.
Is it just me or is McLaren stepping up? Both Piastri and Norris on the podium is great news for the team.
Wow, Verstappen’s really dominating the season, isn’t he? 14 outta 17 races is no joke! He’s setting new standards for sure.
Mercedes had a rough one, huh. Hamilton and Russell colliding is bad news, wonder what’s gonna happen in the team meeting.
Seems like Ricciardo’s wrist injury’s more serious than we thought. hope he gets well soon, miss seeing him on the track.
i can’t believe how many pit stops were mandated cause of those Pirelli tires. Makes the race pretty unpredictable.
Verstappen’s a beast! But let’s not forget Perez, he’s second in the championship. Red Bull’s on fire this season!
so many races left and Verstappen’s already got the title. wonder what records he’s gonna break next.
Kinda sad for Sainz, would’ve loved to see how he’d do in the race. Hope Ferrari fixes that fuel problem ASAP.
Wow, just checked the Constructors’ points. Red Bull is miles ahead of everyone else. They’re really in a league of their own this season.