Max Verstappen, the dominant force in Formula One this year with 13 race victories, is on the verge of clinching his third consecutive drivers’ world title in Qatar this weekend, potentially becoming the sport’s first ‘Saturday champion’ in 40 years.
The 26-year-old Dutch driver enjoys an immense 177-point lead over his sole remaining championship rival, Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez, after 16 rounds of the 22-race season.
Verstappen needs only three points to secure the championship, and he has an excellent chance to achieve that, or more, during Saturday’s sprint race at the Lusail International Circuit.
Red Bull has been unbeaten in all three sprints this season, with Verstappen winning two and Perez taking one victory. This strong record, combined with Red Bull’s recent clinching of the constructors’ championship, makes them favourites for the upcoming race.
Verstappen is looking forward to the challenge in Qatar, where the hot temperatures add an interesting dimension, especially for the sprint race.
He aims to secure the drivers’ title on Saturday, which would make him the first Saturday champion since Nelson Piquet did so 40 years ago at the 1983 South African Grand Prix. Only four other drivers have achieved this feat in F1 history.
After a dominant performance in Japan, where Verstappen secured a race victory, he is expected to continue his impressive form. However, competitors from Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin will be determined to make his path to victory more challenging.
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, in particular, could excel on the resurfaced Qatar circuit, where he previously won the Qatar Grand Prix two years ago. This late-season surge nearly secured him an eighth title.
Australian driver Liam Lawson, who impressed in Japan with two points, will once again replace compatriot Daniel Ricciardo at Alpha Tauri as Ricciardo continues his recovery from injury.
Source: AFP
