P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 Qatar GP: Verstappen clinches third title as Piastri wins sprint
The 19-lap event featured three safety car periods and the drivers on the soft tyres made significant gains early on but struggled later in the race due to rubber graining. Sergio Perez was eliminated in a three-way crash that triggered the third safety car period and secured Verstappen’s title. Piastri initially held the lead, but was overtaken by Russell after a late dive at Turn 6. Another safety car period followed when Sargeant spun off on the second sector. Russell managed to hold off Piastri after the second restart, with Verstappen climbing back to third. On lap 11, Russell regained the lead with a DRS run and a third safety car intervention occurred when Ocon, Hulkenberg, and Perez crashed at Turn 2. The race resumed on lap 15, with Piastri pulling away from Russell and Verstappen securing second place.
Source: motorsport
