Dutch racing driver Max Verstappen, who is set to clinch his third Formula 1 title in Qatar this weekend, has again criticised the concept of a sportsman of the year award.

The Red Bull driver, who has won the award three times, described the concept as “ridiculous and unfair”.

“There are so many athletes to be proud of,” he said. “Seriously, I don’t want to win. There are so many athletes who do so much for their sport and put in tremendous performances. And then one has to be chosen to win a stupid prize.”

Verstappen took the award in 2016, 2021 and 2022 but never picked up his prize at the ceremonies.

Third title

Sixth place in the sprint  will be good enough to assure Verstappen of his third world title in a row on Saturday evening, Dutch time.

Verstappen is currently on 400 points, while team mate Sergio Perez is second on 223, giving the Dutchman a 177 point lead. There are only 180 points up for grabs across the final six rounds of the season.

The 26-year-old has dominated throughout the year and scored his 13th win of the season last time out in Suzuka, Japan.