2024 is providing strong emotions, extraordinary victories, and twists on and off the track. Eight seasonal victories, eight pole positions and three fastest laps are the results obtained by the Flying Dutchman in this season that is not yet over. Different numbers from those of thelast year, the year of domination – in which only one race was won by a non-Red Bull-branded single-seater. This year the lion had to fight the friend of always, Lando Norris, who defended himself tooth and nail for try to grab the world title. We fly to Las Vegas where for Max Verstappen but the time has come to make the final move, the Check mate which would consecrate him Champion for the fourth time.
Verstappen Champion in Las Vegas? It's possible
Number #1 he returned to victory on the Interlagos circuit, after a fast that had lasted 10 races. Following a fantastic guide from 17th on the grid, Max flew towards the finish line, crossing it in first position. In Brazil the Red Bull driver he put on a perfect show, showing the skills that have allowed him to conquer the world championship in the past three years. Now, The Champion has his sights set on a fourth title – which Verstappen could conquer as early as this weekend in Las Vegas.
Thanks to McLaren's excellent performances in the second part of the season, the gap between Norris and Verstappen was slowly decreasing. The young Englishman, from pole position at Interlagos, had theopportunity to reduce the gap from the leader of the standings who instead started from the back of the grid. But, with the 62nd victory of his career in Formula 1, Max has put 62 points between himself and Lando Norris.
Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi are the final stages of the Championship and put 86 points up for grabsThree races and a Sprint Race will provide the opportunity to collect as many points as possible, with a view to the drivers' and constructors' titles. Verstappen could win the fourth world title already from the next race: to do this he would just need to close the weekend with a 60-point lead over second place in the standings.
Max Verstappen Champion if…
- Max could equal champions like Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel: to do so, he would only need be the first to cross the finish line.
- The celebrations would be postponed if Verstappen were to finish in second position, behind Lando Norris.
- If the Red Bull driver were to climb onto the third step of the podium, the Englishman would be able to afford to finish in second position. In this case, however, if theDutch should get the additional point for the fastest lap of the race, the gap between the two opponents it would become 60 points, mathematically delivering the Verstappen wins the title.
- Se Max crossed the finish line in fourth position, third place would be enough for Lando to postpone the coronation. In this scenario, however, if the 27-year-old were to obtain the point for the fastest lap, title fight would end under the lights of the Strip di Las Vegas.
Other possible combinations
- In case Verstappen finishes fifth, to prolong the fight in Qatar, Norris would have to finish on the podium, or get fourth place and the additional point for the “fastest lap”. lack of the Norris' fastest lap would give Max his fourth title.
- Norris can prevent the Dutchman from becoming Champion in “Sin City” if he manages to cross the finish line two positions ahead of Max, or finishing the race in the position immediately in front to its ma getting the additional point for the fastest lap. For example, if Verstappen finished ninth, the fight would continue in Qatar if Norris could finish seventh or eighth with a fastest lap.
- If Max were to get the single point of the tenth position, Lando would only need to finish eighth. The title would be automatically assigned to Verstappen in case Norris finishes ninth with fastest lap: the gap would be 60 points.
- In the case of Verstappen should not finish the race or finish outside the points, Norris could easily finish ninth with a fastest lap. No fast lap for Norris, in this case, the title should go to Max.
SOURCE: Racingnews365.com
