Max Verstappen has cruised to a third successive Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship in 2023, but the Dutchman is chasing a startling record at the Abu Dhabi GP.
With a solid performance at the F1 finale in Abu Dhabi, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen might cap off a brilliant season. The world championship will have been won by Verstappen in both the first and second halves of the 2023 Formula One season, provided that the Dutchman finishes third in Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and teammate Sergio Perez finishes sixth or below.
Verstappen has been the dominant player in the 2023 season. He started the year winning the Bahrain Grand Prix and finished first in the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix last week, making it 18 wins out of 21 this year.
As a result, Verstappen sealed his third straight Drivers’ Championship. The three-time world champion has dominated F1 in recent years, and he has become the face of the sport thanks to the success experienced by Red Bull.
Even if Verstappen raced in either half of the season only, he would have still likely emerged as world champion. With Perez already securing second in the championship, it is easy to see just how clearly Verstappen has overwhelmed his competitors.
The Dutchman scored 281 points in the first 11 races of the season, while he scored 268 points in the last 10 races – averaging 26.8 points per weekend, which is more than what was possible before the implementation of Sprint Races. If Verstappen wins the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he will have scored 293 points.
Perez has 273 points going into Abu Dhabi. If Perez finishes sixth, he would have 281, the same amount as Verstappen through 11 races – but his teammate would take the championship on count back.
For Verstappen to be the title holder in one or the other portion of the time, Perez should not score in excess of eight focuses while the 26-year-old simply needs 13 focuses. This can be accomplished by means of a third spot finish or a fourth alongside the quickest lap.
It’s a disturbing opinion for F1. Verstappen might have quit hustling after the Hungarian Excellent Prix back in July and reasonable would have still come out on top for the big showdown.
On the other side, he might have stood by to begin contending at Spa and just hustled in the last part of the title – despite everything arose with a third crown. His strength has arrived at new levels in 2023.
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