Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has his first opportunity to secure a second Formula One world championship this weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Should the Dutchman win in Singapore as well as several other scenarios play out in his favour, it would be the earliest title finish in 20 years.
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Verstappen’s mind-boggling run of five wins in a row has him 116 points ahead of his nearest title rival, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Sitting in third place with 125 points between Verstappen is his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.
In fourth is Mercedes’ George Russell, the only other driver who could still mathematically win the title despite being 132 points off the Dutchman.
So, how can Verstappen wrap up back-to-back F1 world titles?
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Well, a lot has to go his way.
After Singapore, there are just five races left on the 2022 F1 calendar: Japan, USA, Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
That means there are 138 points up for grabs after this weekend’s action, with 26 being awarded for a race win with the fastest lap as well as eight on offer in Brazil for the winner of the sprint race.
For Verstappen to win the title in Singapore, he must beat Leclerc by 22 points, teammate Perez by 13 and Russell by just six.
Basically, Verstappen has to finish first with the fastest lap (26 points) with Leclerc placing eighth (4 points) or worse and Perez comes fourth (12 points) or worse.
Verstappen can also win if he finishes first without the fastest lap (25 points), Leclerc places ninth (2 points) or worse and Perez comes fourth (12 points) or worse without the fastest lap.
