Verstappen has a chance to become a double world champion for the second weekend in a row. Although the Red Bull rider’s lead was slightly reduced in Singapore, the Dutchman’s chances of winning a second trophy are significantly greater this weekend at Suzuka, Japan. Under what circumstances will Verstappen become the old champion?
Max Verstappen finished seventh in Singapore, well behind his rivals Leclerc and Pérez, who shared the top two spots. The Dutchman’s lead at the top of the championship decreased slightly, but it is nothing ‘dramatic’.
The Red Bull pilot has another chance this coming weekend in Japan, this time a much bigger and quite realistic one. Verstappen now has 104 points to his credit to celebrate his second championship trophy after Suzuka, he must have a 112 point lead over the second man in the championship.
It follows from the mathematics that the championship leader must surpass Charles Leclerc by 8 points in Japan. In the case of Sergio Pérez, it is enough that he is 6 points behind his colleague. Under such constellations, Max Verstappen will already be a double champion on Sunday.
NK = fastest lap (+ 1 point)
Verstappen becomes champion in Japan when:
| Verstappen at the finish line: | NK – Verstappen | Position – Leclerc | Position – Pérez |
| 1. | Again | It doesn’t matter the location | It doesn’t matter the location |
| 2. | Again | 5. | 4. |
| 3. | Again | 6. | 5. |
| 4. | Again | 8. | 7. |
| 5. | Again | 9. | 8. |
| 6. | Again | 10. | 9. |
| 1. | Yes | 3. + NK / 3. without NK | 2. + NK / 2. without NK |
| 2. | Yes | 6. + NK / 5. without NK | 5. + NK / 4. without NK |
| 3. | Yes | 7. + NK / 7. without NK | 6. + NK / 6. without NK |
| 4. | Yes | 9. + NK / 8. without NK | 8. + NK / 7. without NK |
| 5. | Yes | 10. + NK / 9. without NK | 9. + NK / 8. without NK |
| 6. | Yes | Mimo body | 10. + NK / 9. without NK |
