VERSTAPPEN WINS IN QATAR

Formula One was in Qatar for the second time having first come here in 2021 - a race won by Lewis Hamilton. This time was very different with Verstappen leading almost every lap and Hamilton not making it past turn one. It was yet another solid weekend for the McLaren team as they take another double podium as they look to overtake Aston Martin for fourth in the Constructors Championship.

As it is in most races Max Verstappen gets away well and leads with some ease ahead of the two Mercedes who in dramatic fashion similar to Spain 2016 come together and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) takes second with Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) in third. George Russell was able continue but Hamilton is forced to retire having lost his rear right tyre in the collision. The Safety Car is deployed.

On lap five we saw the green flag and we go back racing. It’s a simple get away from Verstappen as he keeps the lead and Piastri stays in second ahead of Alonso in third with Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Esteban Ocon (Alpine) in fourth and fifth.

Verstappen pits on lap 18 and Alex Albon (Williams) leads the race - purely because he hasn’t pitted but still, a nice moment for the former Red Bull driver.

In a moment you don't expect to see as Alonso takes a trip to the gravel trap on lap 33 and drops down to seventh place. It’s at turn 2 as he gets caught out on the grass as he goes slightly wide on entry. An unlikely mistake from the double World Champion.

With 20 laps to go (lap 37/57) in this race the top five is currently Verstappen in first with Piastri and Norris in second and third with Russell doing an excellent job in fourth with the sole Ferrari of Leclerc in fifth. Sainz didn't take part in this race due to an oil leak before the race.

And after 41 laps it all gets too much for the American Logan Sargeant as he really doesn’t feel well and is retiring from the race - he wanted to carry on but its all got a bit too much for him.

A perfect race for the newly crowned Triple World Champion - Max Verstappen.

The next race is the US (Austin) Grand Prix.

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