Max Verstappen could become the 2023 Formula One drivers’ champion for the third year in a row at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.
A near-flawless season from the Red Bull racer has put him on 400 points with almost double the amount of his nearest rival, and still six rounds of the championship to go.
In fact, such is his lead over teammate Sergio Perez that he could even secure a third consecutive crown before Sunday’s race.
On Saturday, the sprint race returns and the permutations show how it is very possible that Verstappen becomes the first-ever driver to win the F1 title in a sprint.
Here are all the details...
How can Max Verstappen win the F1 Drivers’ Championship?
If he finishes sixth or higher in the sprint: In this scenario, Verstappen claims the F1 title no matter where Perez finishes.
If he finishes seventh in the sprint: Perez must win the sprint to deny Verstappen here, at which point he can still easily win the title at Sunday’s grand prix.
If he finishes eighth in the sprint: This will still be enough if Perez finishes outside of the top two.
If he misses out on any points in the sprint: Verstappen will still win the world championship if Perez finishes outside of the top three.
If he misses out and Perez finishes inside the top three: All will not be lost for Verstappen, who needs to come out of this weekend with a 146-point lead to win the title after Sunday’s grand prix. His current advantage is 177.
