Max Verstappen has the potential to become champion for the fifth time in a row at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Dutchman has made a tremendous surge in the championship over the past few months. After convincing victories in Las Vegas and Qatar, he is now only twelve points behind leader Lando Norris. Oscar Piastri, who is sixteen points behind his teammate, is also still in the race.
After the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the first race after the summer break, Max Verstappen was still 104 points behind World Championship leader Oscar Piastri. Yet, experts, including his rivals from Woking, were not ready to write off the Dutchman. On the eve of the season finale, it becomes clear why: the reigning champion has since overtaken Piastri and only needs to make up twelve points to reclaim the title. But what exactly does Max Verstappen need to do to become champion in Abu Dhabi?
How can Max Verstappen become champion in Abu Dhabi?
Verstappen’s victory in Qatar was his seventh of the season, putting him on par with both McLaren drivers. All three are still vying for the championship in the final race. Norris currently leads with 408 World Championship points, with Verstappen and Piastri trailing by twelve and sixteen points respectively. The task for the Red Bull driver is clear: he needs to gain more than twelve points on Norris. This can happen in the following scenarios:
- Verstappen wins, Norris finishes P4 or lower
- Verstappen comes second, Norris finishes P8 or lower, Piastri does not win
- Verstappen comes third, Norris finishes P9 or lower, Piastri does not win
In turn, Lando Norris only needs a third-place finish to become world champion for the first time, regardless of where his rivals end up.
