Under what conditions can Max Verstappen be crowned champion in Qatar?
With a 177-point lead in the world championship, Max Verstappen is heading towards a third world title. This can be achieved as early as the sprint race of the Qatar Grand Prix.
He didn’t ask for that much. After Sergio Perez’s retirement in Suzuka, Max Verstappen gained 26 points on his teammate and closest rival in the championship. The two men are currently separated by 177 units with only 180 left to be distributed.
Mathematically, the Dutchman only needs three points to secure a third world championship. This could therefore be achieved at the Qatar Grand Prix, during the sprint race, in two weeks. For this, Max Verstappen must not lose too many points to his teammate.
At the end of the sprint race, there must be a difference of at least 172 points between the two teammates for Jos Verstappen’s son to be crowned champion. This means that if driver number 1 finishes ahead of Sergio Perez, the title will automatically be awarded to him.
Max Verstappen can settle for sixth place
On the other hand, if it’s the Mexican who finishes ahead, the result of the Dutchman will be very important. Knowing that the winner earns eight points, the second seven, the third six, and so on until the eighth, he will have to limit the damage.
So, in order to be crowned champion, Max Verstappen will have to cross the finish line at least in sixth place. If he finishes seventh, Sergio Perez will have to do no better than second. If he finishes eighth, the Mexican will have to do no better than third. Finally, if Max Verstappen doesn’t score any points, Sergio Perez will have to do no better than fourth.
