The Latest Breaking News from Qatar GP

It was rather unexpected.

Newly-crowned four-time champion Max Verstappen topped qualiying in Qatar on Saturday but was handed a one-place grid penalty for driving slowly, promoting George Russell to pole position.

Formula 1 fans will notice that every grand prix lasts both a different number of laps and length of time, which makes it unlike some other motor racing categories in the world.

The Pramac Ducati rider struggled to a season-worst 10th in last week’s Qatar GP having battled with a lack of rear grip from the off.

After the Red Bull driver sealed his 2023 F1 world drivers’ championship with second place in Saturday’s sprint race in Qatar, he went one better with victory in the grand prix, but the event was overshadowed by tyre trouble and a gruelling hot race that left drivers unwell.

While a maximum distance of 18 laps for each set of tyres appears quite simple, it is far from it.

Verstappen clinched his third consecutive title in the Qatar GP sprint race on Saturday to secure a crown that has looked to be his since the early phase of the campaign.

The company has already made an impact during its first year in the sport as F1's official airline partner, and that will only become more apparent if Max Verstappen clinches the World Championship at Lusail this weekend, drawing further attention to the race title sponsor.

The company has already made an impact during its first year in the sport as F1’s official airline partner, and that will only become more apparent if Max Verstappen clinches the World Championship at Lusail this weekend, drawing further attention to the race title sponsor.