What does Verstappen need to be champion at the Qatar GP?

What does Verstappen need to be champion at the Qatar GP?

Set to compete in the Qatar

Max Verstappen could leave the Qatar GP with a new title under his arm. Counting this weekend’s race, there are six rounds remaining in the season, three of them in sprint format, so 180 points are still up for grabs.

The Dutchman leads the standings by 177 points over second-placed Checo Perez. If nothing goes wrong, the Red Bull driver will almost certainly be able to claim his third World Championship title at Losail.

What does Verstappen need to clinch the F1 title in Qatar?

With 180 points still to be distributed, Verstappen only needs to add three more to his tally. As such, the Dutchman could clinch the 2023 title by simply finishing sixth in the sprint race at the Qatar GP, which takes place this Saturday. Should he be tied on points with his teammate, Sergio Perez, he would be champion because he would have more victories.

Should Verstappen fail to score points on Saturday and Perez does not finish in the top three in the sprint race, he would also be champion.

After that race, 172 points will remain to be distributed and if the Mexican does not finish on the podium in the sprint race, the gap in qualifying will be greater than that figure.