Max Verstappen took his first win as a triple Formula One world champion

Max Verstappen took his first win as a triple Formula One world champion on Sunday after dominating a Qatar Grand Prix peppered with pitstops and penalties for a rash of track limit violations. The victory from pole position under the Lusail floodlights was a 14th in 17 races, and career 49th, for the 26-year-old Red Bull driver who clinched his third successive title in a Saturday sprint.

Australian rookie Oscar Piastri, winner of that 19-lap sprint, finished second with McLaren teammate Lando Norris third in what became a three-stop race after Pirelli warned of the risk of blowouts.It was a bit close for comfort I think in that last stint. But pace was OK. Another win, unbelievable,” said Verstappen, who finished 4.8 seconds clear of Piastri.

The relatively slim gap flattered the Australian, with Verstappen never looking like he was under any pressure and also setting the fastest lap.

“That was a proper quality drive,” team boss Christian Horner told his champion over the radio. There was drama even before the cars had lined up on the grid when Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who ended Red Bull’s 100 per cent win record with victory in Singapore last month, was ruled out by a fuel system problem.

It continued seconds after the start when Mercedes teammates George Russell and Lewis Hamilton collided at the first corner, with the latter accusing the younger Briton of taking him out.

Source: Supersport

In other news – Andile Mpisane and Tamia’s second child has arrived

Andile Mpisane and Tamia have welcomed the arrival of their second child. In July, Tamia announced her pregnancy with a photo revealing her baby bump.

Blessed by the grace of God… Made from love, with love, to love. I can’t wait to meet you my love,” she captioned post. Read more