Verstappen wins in Qatar to ensure that a trio of drivers meet for the title

Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix in a Red Bull jersey on Sunday, taking his battle for the Formula One title with McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to the grand final in Abu Dhabi next weekend.

Britain's Norris finished fourth, behind Spain's Carlos Sainz of Williams, with his lead cut to 12 points. Verstappen's third consecutive win in Qatar moved him into second place in the overall standings.

Australia's Piastri finished second and dropped to third in the standings, four points behind four-time world champion Verstappen.

The top three drivers now have seven wins each on the season.

(reuters, hal)