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This is how Max Verstappen can become Formula 1 world champion in Las Vegas
After the Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen appears to have one hand firmly on the 2024 Formula 1 world title. With just three races to go, the Red Bull driver can already secure the world title in Las Vegas. This is how Verstappen can do it.
With Verstappen's exceptional win in Brazil, the tide has turned in the world title race. Whereas after qualifying in Brazil, it looked like Lando Norris had a change to take a large chunk out of Verstappen's lead, Verstappen's mega race and Norris's lesser performance have caused Verstappen to run away. Verstappen increased his lead by 18 points.
Verstappen increases lead over Norris
That result means Verstappen is now 62 points ahead of Norris in the world championship. With three races to go and one sprint race in Qatar, the battle is not over. In fact, there are now a total of 86 points left to be distributed. However, after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, only 60 points will be left and so Verstappen is very close to a fourth world title.
Besides the gap in points, Verstappen also has a wide lead in wins. Verstappen has already won eight races in 2024, while Norris has only won three. In the last three Grands Prix, Norris can't match that number, meaning if Verstappen and Norris tie, the Dutchman will be crowned champion.
Therefore, Verstappen will become world champion in Las Vegas if he finishes ahead of Norris in the race, whichever place that is. Should Norris win in Vegas, the earliest Verstappen can become world champion is in Qatar. Below is a summary of all the possible scenarios in which Verstappen becomes champion.
How can Verstappen become F1 world champion in Las Vegas?
Verstappen finishes ahead of Norris in the Grand Prix
Norris finishes second, Verstappen finishes third and takes point for fastest race lap
Norris finishes third, Verstappen finishes fourth and takes point for fastest race lap
Norris finishes fourth, Verstappen finishes fifth
Norris finishes fifth, Verstappen finishes sixth
Norris finishes sixth, Verstappen finishes seventh
Norris finishes seventh, Verstappen finishes eighth
Norris finishes eighth, Verstappen finishes ninth
Norris finishes ninth or lower
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton