As the 2023 Formula 1 season races toward its final stretch, Max Verstappen stands on the brink of yet another remarkable achievement. With three races remaining, the fiercely competitive Dutch driver is poised to capture his fourth consecutive championship title in a display of consistency and sheer dominance.
Verstappen's Advantage
Verstappen sits comfortably atop the championship leaderboard with a 62-point lead over his closest challenger, Lando Norris. This substantial advantage highlights his exceptional form throughout the season, further punctuated by his recent triumph at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, marking his eighth victory of the year. With only three races left on the calendar—Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi—Verstappen's path to the title seems all but assured.
The Path to the Crown
The upcoming races offer a maximum of 86 points, factoring in the unique inclusion of sprint race points in Qatar. For Verstappen to clinch the championship after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, he needs to ensure that he maintains a lead of at least 60 points. In each grand prix, the maximum points haul stands at 26—25 for a victory and an additional point awarded for the fastest lap—plus an extra eight points available from the sprint race in Qatar. Hence, while Norris still has a theoretical mathematical chance to challenge for the title, the odds appear firmly in Verstappen's favor.
Norris's Distant Hope
Lando Norris, who has emerged as Verstappen's primary contender, would need to outscore Verstappen by a minimum of three points in Las Vegas to extend the championship contention to Qatar. Such a scenario underscores the arduous challenge Norris faces, requiring not just race wins but also all available fastest lap points from the races in Qatar. Even if he were to achieve these feats, he would still trail Verstappen by two points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The deck certainly seems stacked against Norris. He requires a perfect set of circumstances, including Verstappen finishing outside the top positions—a rarity this season, given that the Dutch driver has consistently finished in the top six in every race of the 2023 campaign.
Tiebreaker Assurance
Even in the unlikely event of a points tie, Verstappen retains the upper hand due to his superior number of grand prix victories this season. This advantage ensures that, should the points gap be erased, he still emerges as the champion—a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and racecraft throughout the year.
A Season of Consistency
Verstappen's potential fourth consecutive title not only cements his legacy within the sport but also highlights the prowess of the team and machinery supporting him. His dedication and focus have been unwavering, a hallmark of champions who leave no stone unturned and no challenge unmet. The meticulous preparation and execution of race strategies have kept him a cut above the field, demonstrating why he remains a formidable force in Formula 1.
As the 2023 season draws to a close, the question is less about whether Verstappen will become champion again, but rather when and where he will confirm it. The anticipation builds as the globe-trotting circus of Formula 1 heads to Las Vegas, with fans and pundits eager to witness whether the championship will indeed be decided amid the glitzy backdrop of Nevada’s desert lights.
Irrespective of the final outcomes of the remaining races, Max Verstappen’s campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary. His journey this year reinforces his status as one of the most talented drivers in the history of the sport, a living testament to ambition, skill, and the relentless drive to keep winning.