Winning at Suzuka and setting the fastest lap is enough for Max

Max Verstappen, as difficult as it was for him, did not capitalize on his first attempt at a world title at Marina Bay, Singapore. A race that already put the Dutch uphill in qualifying on Saturday and the GP on Sunday. So for the second crown he has to wait a week.

With his wide advantage in the World Cup, he Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka A serious option to become a two-time Formula 1 World Champion. Max currently leads Monegasque by 104 points. Charles Leclerc and in 106 to Singapore’s Mexican winner Sergio PerezAnd 112 points will be deducted at the end of the Japanese Grand Prix. In front of the Japanese fans, especially in front of Honda bosses, it’s not a bad thing for Max to sing Ariron.

That’s enough for the Dutch driver to win the race, set the fastest lap and become champion, but without that extra point he’ll have to wait until Charles Leclerc finishes third or lower. .

If he fails to win at Suzuka, he will have to wait for the results of Perez and Leclerc, as he needs to lead his main World Cup rivals by six and eight points respectively. Must be 6th.

Results that could have given Verstappen the title have occurred 7 of the 17 possible times this season. Imola, Miami, Canada, France, Hungary, Belgium and Holland.