As the debate continues over who could replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Oscar Piastri is already speculating about Alonso's arrival at Mercedes.

Scorching weather, high humidity and last-minute rule changes did not stop Max Verstappen from taking another victory in Qatar. McLaren finished second and third in a race that saw Carlos Sainz DNS due to a technical problem.

The Dutchman has been dominant throughout the season and today’s second place in the sprint race made him the Formula One World Champion for the third year in a row.

The 21-year-old Australian driver set the fastest time to take pole position for this afternoon’s Sprint Shootout, followed by team-mate Lando Norris and securing a front row start for Mclaren.

Max secures pole position and can be crowned champion as early as the sprint race. Alonso will start fourth and Sainz twelfth on the grid at a circuit that tests drivers’ endurance in extreme weather conditions.

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