F1 Qatar Grand Prix LIVE: Race updates and times at Lusail Circuit

1) Max Verstappen – 407 points

2) Sergio Perez – 223 points

3) Lewis Hamilton – 194 points

4) Fernando Alonso – 175 points

5) Carlos Sainz – 153 points

6) Charles Leclerc – 135 points

7) Lando Norris – 121 points

8) George Russell – 120 points

9) Oscar Piastri – 65 points

10) Lance Stroll – 47 points

11) Pierre Gasly – 46 points

12) Esteban Ocon – 38 points

13) Alex Albon – 23 points

14) Nico Hulkenberg – 9 points

15) Valtteri Bottas – 6 points

16) Zhou Guanyu – 4 points

17) Yuki Tsunoda – 3 points

18) Kevin Magnussen – 3 points

19) Liam Lawson – 2 points

20) Logan Sargeant – 0 points

21) Nyck de Vries – 0 points

22) Daniel Ricciardo – 0 points

Max Verstappen has become just the fifth driver in Formula 1 history to clinch the world title on a Saturday – and the first in 40 years.

The Dutchman, who has won every grand prix bar three this season, sealed his third straight world title after Sergio Perez crashed in the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix on Saturday, leaving his team-mate unable to catch him with six races and two sprints to go.

Verstappen has been unstoppable throughout 2023 and, despite his dislike of the sprint race format, secured his 2023 crown in the 100km dash around the Lusail International Circuit on Saturday night.

It marks the end of a streak dating back to 1983 of drivers clinching the world title on a Sunday, the traditional day of a grand prix race.

“Max is the most competitive driver I’ve ever met, the determination he drives with and the abundance of skill he has – he’s up there with the very, very best.

“This season has surpassed anything we’ve seen – we did a lot of winning with Sebastian but this has taken it to yet another level. He’s only 26 and he’ll still only get better, evolve and get better as a driver.

“The self-belief to go out and deliver is quite outstanding. His ability to be at one with the car, that self-belief is absolutely standout.”

Max Verstappen hailed his third Formula One world title as the finest of his career – and vowed to celebrate by downing a few sparkling waters.

The 26-year-old Dutchman has emulated Sir Jackie Stewart and Ayrton Senna after being crowned a triple world champion with six grands prix still remaining – equalling Michael Schumacher’s 21-year-old record.

Red Bull’s Verstappen has dominated Formula One since he beat Lewis Hamilton to clinch his maiden championship at the deeply controversial season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021.

20) Sergio Perez (pit lane)

Red Bull driver Verstappen, 26, has won an astonishing 13 out of 16 races this season as well as two of the four sprint races, which includes a memorable 12-race (including sprints) win streak from Miami in May to Italy in September.

Needing to only finish in the top-six to seal the title in the shortened 100km dash at the Lusail International Circuit on Saturday night, Verstappen now cannot be caught by second-placed team-mate Sergio Perez with six races and two sprints to go, after Perez crashed in the sprint.

Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of the Qatar Grand Prix with The Independent!

Max Verstappen clinched his third world title yesterday after finishing second in the sprint race, with Oscar Piastri victorious for the first time in Formula 1.

Verstappen starts on pole today – can anyone stop the Dutchman?

Stay right here for all the build-up – the race starts at 6pm (BST).