Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass performance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, securing a stunning victory from 17th on the grid and moving to the brink of his fourth consecutive Formula 1 world championship. The Red Bull driver’s incredible drive was a timely reminder of his exceptional talent, as he showcased his skill in wet conditions and made up six positions on the opening lap alone.
Verstappen’s victory extended his lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris to 62 points, with only three races remaining in the season. Norris needs to outscore Verstappen by at least three points in the upcoming races to keep his championship hopes alive. Additionally, scoring eight points in sprint races can significantly alter the competitive landscape. The Dutchman is now on the cusp of securing his fourth straight title, which could happen as early as the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix if he maintains a lead of 60 points or more over Norris after the race.
The fastest lap point can also influence the final standings, making every race moment critical. Verstappen could secure his status as the Formula 1 world champion during the Las Vegas race, depending on the finishing positions and points scored.
Current Championship Standings
As the 2024 Formula 1 season enters its final stages, Max Verstappen holds a commanding lead in the drivers’ championship. With 62 points separating him from Lando Norris, Verstappen is on the brink of securing his fourth consecutive title. The current standings are:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 393 points
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 331 points
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 307 points
Verstappen’s dominance this season has been nothing short of spectacular, with consistent performances and crucial victories that have kept him ahead of the pack. Norris, despite his best efforts, finds himself in a challenging position, needing a near-perfect run in the final three races to keep his title hopes alive. Meanwhile, Leclerc remains a distant third, focusing on securing podium finishes and aiding Ferrari in the constructors’ battle.
Points System and Scenarios
The F1 points system is a complex beast, with multiple scoring systems available depending on how much of a race is completed. The standard points system awards points to the top 10 finishers, with a bonus point available for the fastest lap. However, this bonus point is only available to the top 10 finishers.
In the event of a tie at the end of the season, the driver with the most grand prix victories will take the title. If the number of wins is also tied, it moves on to second places, then third, and so on, until there is a winner.
Verstappen’s lead in the championship means that he can afford to lose two points to Norris and still confirm the title. However, if Norris manages to get the margin down to 59 or lower in Vegas, he faces a very tall order to turn things around sufficiently to still take the title.
What Needs to Happen for Norris To keep The Dream Alive
- If Verstappen wins, the title fight ends regardless of Norris’ result
- If Verstappen finishes 2nd, Norris needs to win
- If Verstappen finishes 3rd, Norris needs to finish 2nd or 1st if Verstappen takes the fastest lap
- If Verstappen finishes 4th, Norris needs to finish 3rd or 2nd if Verstappen takes the fastest lap
- If Verstappen finishes 5th, Norris needs to finish 4th with the fastest lap or 3rd
- If Verstappen finishes 6th, Norris needs to finish 5th with the fastest lap or 4th
- If Verstappen finishes 7th, Norris needs to finish 6th with the fastest lap or 5th
- If Verstappen finishes 8th, Norris needs to finish 7th with the fastest lap or 6th
- If Verstappen finishes 9th, Norris needs to finish 8th with the fastest lap or 7th
- If Verstappen finishes 10th, Norris needs to finish 9th with the fastest lap or 8th
- If Verstappen finishes 11th or lower, Norris needs to finish 9th with the fastest lap or 8th
Constructors’ Championship Impact
The constructors’ championship is also heating up, with McLaren leading the way by 36 points from Ferrari. Red Bull is closing in on Ferrari, just 13 points behind. The final three races will be crucial in determining the constructors’ champion, with a total of 147 points available.
The constructors’ championship is calculated by adding the points scored by each team’s drivers. The team with the most points at the end of the season will be crowned the constructors’ champion.
For McLaren, maintaining their lead will require flawless teamwork and strategy, especially in the face of Ferrari’s relentless pursuit. Red Bull, with Verstappen’s stellar performances, is poised to make a significant impact, potentially disrupting the current standings and making a late-season surge.
Las Vegas Grand Prix Preview
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is the first of the final three races in the 2024 season. The race will take place at night on a 3.8-mile street circuit, with 17 turns and a top speed of over 200mph.
Verstappen has a strong record in Las Vegas, having won the inaugural race in 2023. However, Norris will be looking to close the gap and keep his championship hopes alive.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be a crucial race in determining the outcome of the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. With 86 points available across the final three races, every point will count in the battle for the title.
The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas provide a fitting backdrop for what promises to be a thrilling race. Verstappen will be aiming to secure his title in Las Vegas, while Norris and McLaren will be fighting tooth and nail to keep their championship dreams alive. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the F1 circus rolls into Sin City for a showdown that could define the season.
Looking Ahead to the Final Three Races
With his stunning victory in Brazil, Max Verstappen has not only ended his ten-race win drought but also put himself in a commanding position to secure his fourth consecutive world title. The Dutchman’s focus now shifts to the final three grands prix of the season, where he aims to maintain his momentum and clinch the championship as soon as possible.
For Lando Norris and McLaren, the task of overhauling Verstappen’s lead has become increasingly daunting. The McLaren has the best shot for taking the WDC since the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix. The team will need to work on making sure the British driver doesn’t fumble on any of the qualifying sessions or races.
As the F1 circus heads to Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi for the thrilling conclusion of the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Max Verstappen as he looks to etch his name further into the sport’s history books with a fourth straight world championship. Although we will not have the four-way finale like in the 2010 Abu Dhabi Finale, the battle between Max and Lando can be as electrifying as the 2021 finale.
