What Max Verstappen needs to do at Las Vegas Grand Prix to win F1 title

Max Verstappen is on the verge of beating Lando Norris to a fourth-straight Formula 1 title and can do so at this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Following a stunning victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, and Norris’ ‘unlucky’ sixth-placed finish, the Dutchman leads the standings by 62 points with just three races to go.

After winning seven of the first 10 races of the season, Verstappen’s triumph seemed inevitable but McLaren’s turnaround in pace has given Norris the chance to pull off one of the greatest comebacks in F1 history.

While that is still possible, the Red Bull driver now has one hand on the trophy. Metro take a look at the title permutations:

What does Max Verstappen need to do to win the F1 drivers’ championship?

There are just three rounds left of the 2024 F1 season: Las Vegas, Qatar (where a sprint race will be held) and Abu Dhabi.

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That means there are 86 points up for grabs in total but providing Verstappen holds a 60 point advantage over Norris after Vegas, he will be crowned champion.

With his lead currently at 62 points, he need only finish ahead of his rival at the next race in order to seal the deal.

Alternatively, as long as Norris doesn’t outscore him by three points or more, Verstappen will claim the title.

If the pair finish on the same number of points come season’s end, the Dutchman will still emerge victorious by virtue of having more race wins (8 to 3 as it stands).

What does Lando Norris need to do to win the F1 drivers’ championship?

On average, Norris needs to outscore Verstappen by 21 points in each remaining round to win the championship. A very tall ask.

In order to keep the title race going into Qatar, the Brit must outscore his opponent by at least three points on the streets of Vegas. Victory would ensure that.

But even if he wins all remaining races, he’ll need to pray that Verstappen and Red Bull trip up a few times and drop a significant number of points.

Who will win the F1 constructors’ championship?

While not as prestigious, the constructors’ championship is important to teams not only for clout but financial reasons.

Despite Verstappen’s heroics, it is McLaren not Red Bull who are in prime position to win this title, thanks in part to the poor performances of Sergio Perez who has scored less than half the points of his teammate.

As it stands, McLaren lead on 593 points, with Ferrari second on 557 and Red Bull third on 544. With 147 points still on offer, anything can happen.

The consistency of Norris and Oscar Piastri has put the papaya team on course for their first constructors’ title since 1998, but the continued efforts of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are hoping to end Ferrari’s 16-year wait for a championship.

When is the Las Vegas Grand Prix? Qualifying and race times and how to watch

The Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place on the weekend of November 22-24.

Unusually, the race will take place on a Saturday night Vegas time in order to best cater for both local audiences and those in different time zones around the world.

In the UK, qualifying gets underway on Saturday, November 23 at 6am, with the race starting at the same time on Sunday, November 24.

You can watch the potential title decider on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event, while Channel 4 will provide highlights of the race from 12.30pm on Sunday

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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