Oscar Piastri (McLaren) showed the best time in qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix Formula 1 sprint race (1:25.979) and will start from pole position.

Oscar PiastrePhoto: Gongora/NurPhoto / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Max Verstappen, only third at the start of the MP sprint race in Qatar

The Australian was followed by his teammate Lando Norris, and the Dutchman Max Verstappen (RedBull) completed the podium.

With his team already crowned constructors’ champion, Verstappen needs three more points from team-mate Sergio Perez in Saturday’s and Sunday’s races to claim his third drivers’ title.

In the sprint race, which will take place on Saturday from 20:30, Sergio Perez will start from the ninth position.

Formula 1 – Tournament table of pilots

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 400 points

2. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) 223

3. Lewis Hamilton (“Mercedes”) 190

4. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 174

5. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) 150

6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 135

7. Lando Norris (“McLaren”) 115

8. George Russell (Mercedes) 115

9. Oscar Piastri (“McLaren”) 57

10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) 47 etc.

Formula 1 – rating of constructors

1. RedBull 623 points / champion

2. Mercedes 305

3. Ferrari 285

4. Aston Martin 221

5. McLaren 172

6. Alpine-Renault 84

7. Williams 21

8. Haas 12

9. Alfa Romeo 10

10. Alpha Tauri 5.

Formula 1 season calendar for 2023

March 5: Bahrain – victory for Max Verstappen

March 19: Saudi Arabia – victory for Sergio Perez

April 2: Australia – victory for Max Verstappen

April 30: Azerbaijan / Baku – Winner Sergio Perez

May 7: Miami – victory for Max Verstappen

May 21: Emilia-Romagna / Imola – CANCELED

May 28: Monaco/Monte Carlo – victory for Max Verstappen

June 4: Spain / Barcelona – winner Max Verstappen

June 18: Canada / Montreal – winner Max Verstappen

July 2: Austria / Spielberg – victory of Max Verstappen

July 9: Great Britain / Silverstone – victory for Max Verstappen

July 23: Hungary / Hungaroring – Winner Max Verstappen

July 30: Belgium / Spa-Francorchamps – victory of Max Verstappen

August 27: Netherlands / Zandvoort – Winner Max Verstappen

September 3: Italy / Monza – winner Max Verstappen

September 17: Singapore / Marina Bay – Victor Carlos Sainz

September 24: Japan / Suzuka – victory of Max Verstappen

October 8: Qatar / Losail

October 22: USA / Austin

October 29: Mexico / Mexico City

November 5: Brazil / Sao Paulo

November 18: Las Vegas

November 26: Abu Dhabi / Yas Marina.