Max Verstappen's first chance to wrap up the 2023 drivers' crown comes in the Qatar GP Sprint on Saturday, live on Sky Sports F1 at 6.30pm; Red Bull driver will have two chances across the weekend as F1 returns to Losail International Circuit
Saturday 7 October 2023 13:27, UK
Max Verstappen is poised to clinch his third consecutive Formula 1 drivers’ title in Saturday evening’s Sprint - live at 6.30pm on Sky Sports F1 - at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Verstappen's 13th win of his extraordinarily dominant season at Suzuka two weeks ago moved him 177 points clear of team-mate Sergio Perez, now his sole-remaining mathematical challenger, with only 180 left to play for over the six Grands Prix and three Sprints that remain.
Verstappen therefore needs just three more points in total between now and 2023's chequered flag in Abu Dhabi on November 26 to join the illustrious ranks of triple F1 champions.
His first chance comes on F1's second-ever visit to Qatar's Losail International Circuit.
In a season that Verstappen and Red Bull have already achieved a number of 'firsts' in F1 history, another one now presents itself on Saturday evening.
Verstappen will become the first driver to clinch a title in a Sprint race if he finishes sixth or higher (three points or more) in the short-form format on Saturday.
That is irrespective of where Perez finishes.
And, in any case, if Perez does not finish in the top three of the Sprint, Verstappen is champion anyway.
Watch the Qatar Sprint live at 6.30pm on Sky Sports F1 on Saturday.
The Sprint Shootout, which sets the grid for the 19-lap Sprint race, takes place first at 2pm.
Sprints were only introduced into the sport on select Saturdays in 2021, with Qatar the fourth of sixth such events in 2023.
Even if he were to DNF in the Sprint and Perez win it, Max would still need to score just three points in Sunday's Grand Prix - and indeed anywhere over the rest of the season - to be sure of the title whatever his team-mate does.
Verstappen, who on Friday night claimed pole for Sunday's main Grand Prix, was asked how he would feel about clinching the title on a Saturday.
"I mean, it doesn't really change anything," he said. "I just want to have a good weekend. And of course, I know in the back of my mind that's happening, but it doesn't add any extra pressure or whatever. I just want to enjoy the weekend and try to do the best I can."
Saturday October 7
Sunday October 8
Will Max Verstappen wrap up his third world championship at the first attempt at the Qatar GP? Watch every session of the Sprint weekend live on Sky Sports F1 from October 6-8. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW. Cancel anytime
