Max Verstappen might not have claimed a sprint victory on the race track today, but that didn't dim his celebrations as he sealed his third consecutive F1 drivers title at Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
Verstappen played a careful game, losing positions at the start of the race after getting stuck behind a slow-starting Lando Norris.
But as others who had started on soft tyres began to struggle with degradation, he found the race coming back to him as his more durable medium compound proved perfect for the 19-lap race on Saturday evening.
In the end he had no trouble passing Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz and George Russell, but race leader Oscar Piastri was too far ahead and the McLaren duly took the win while Verstappen had to settle for second.
“I tried everything I could to catch up, but we fell short at the end," he lamented, praising Piastri for the rookie's first F1 win. “He drove a great race.
"I don’t think it was easy, because we were on the medium tyres, and there were some soft-starters who had a bit more grip at the beginning, but he did very well.
“It was an exciting race today," he added. "It was a bit of a shame with the safety cars, but overall it was good. I had fun out there and of course I’m incredibly happy at the moment.”
But in terms of the championship, it made no difference as the title had already been decided by a multi-car incident that occurred on lap 11 which left Verstappen's Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez in the gravel.
Perez was the only driver still mathematically able to catch Verstappen in the points, so a DNF for the Mexican meant that this year's title battle was all wrapped up.
Verstappen now joins the list of F1's three-time champions that includes Ayrton Senna, Niki Lauda, Jackie Stewart and Jack Brabham. “It’s a fantastic feeling!" he told the media afterward.
“To be a three-time champion is incredible. It’s been an incredible year, a lot of great races," Verstappen said in parc ferme. "Super proud of the job of the team, it’s been so enjoyable to be part of that group of people."
Asked which of the three titles was his 'best', Verstappen didn't hesitate with his selection. "“This one is probably the [one I’m] most proud of in a way because of consistency.
“This one is the best one. The first one was the most emotional one because that’s when your dreams are fulfilled in F1 but this one has definitely been my best year."
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