Piastri rapt with second place at Qatar F1 grand prix

Australia's Oscar Piastri says his Formula One career-best second-placing in the Qatar Grand Prix came after the "hardest race" of his life.

McLaren's Piastri took second spot at the Lusail circuit north of Doha behind Red Bull's all-conquering Max Verstappen, who clinced a third-straight Formula One world title with a 14th season victory.

Piastri and McLaren teammate Lando Norris (third) were delighted to make the podium after losing third and second place on the grid owing to track limit violations - they fought back from sixth and 10th respectively.

"We had a really impressive pace," Piastri said.

"It was definitely the hardest race I've had in my life, it was hot and basically flat-out the entire time.

"My thanks go to the team for providing Lando and myself with a car that means we can fight at the front more consistently.

"There were some great strategy calls today, brilliant pit-stops and despite the challenging conditions we were able to put it all together on the day.

"A great day."

Sunday's second place followed the Melbourne-born Piastri winning Saturday's sprint event and came in the wake of finishing third at the Japanese Grand Prix two weeks ago.

In Doha, Verstappen dominated ahead of the McLaren duo in a race in which three pit stops were made mandatory because of safety concerns over tyre wear.

The race started with first-turn contact between Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

The prang ended Hamilton's race while Russell also suffered but worked his way back up to finish fourth.

Hamilton was furious at first but later said, "I don't think George probably had anywhere to go."

Verstappen clinched the title with six grands prix to spare when he came second in the sprint on the Lusail International Circuit on Saturday but the Dutch destroyer showed no signs of slowing down.

His 14th win in 17 races this season leaves him one shy of the record 15 he achieved last year - he could draw level in a fortnight at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

With 49 career victories, Verstappen also has a chance to go third on the all-time list - ahead of Alain Prost (51) and Sebastian Vettel (53) - if he wins all of this season's remaining races.

"What made the race was my first stint, after that I could just manage my pace and make sure the tyres were always in a good window," Verstappen said.

"The McLarens were quick again today. It was definitely a tough race out there."

Drivers said racing was difficult in intense heat and humidity, with Verstappen rating it among his "top five" toughest races.