Max Verstappen can secure the third world championship of his career on Saturday.
Max Verstappen (right) celebrated the pole position together with FIA President Mohammed Bin Sulayem. PDO
In fact, it’s quite easy. Max Verstappen’s he only needs to finish sixth (or better) in Saturday’s sprint, so that he could already win the championship champagne.
And even if Verstappen fails in that too, the championship will also be decided if Sergio Perez misses out on the podium in the sprint.
The difference between the two is now as much as 177 points (400–223). Only Pérez’s winning streak lasting the rest of the season, combined with Verstappen’s serious injury, can swing the championship for the Mexican.
However, there is nothing to suggest that such a thing is about to happen.
On Friday, qualifying for Sunday’s GP was held in Qatar. Verstappen secured the pole position, and Pérez was only 13th on the starting grid.
– This was a great start to the weekend. And of course I want to win on Sunday as well, Verstappen denied the idea of running away from the championship celebration.
The Finns saw an excellent time trial because Valtteri Bottas thanks to the penalties imposed on the others, moved up to the ninth starting grid.
– It’s been a while since we’ve fought for those places, Bottas said on Viaplay.