Max Verstappen: Will Dutchman wrap up world title at Singapore Grand Prix?

MAX Verstappen can become Formula 1 world champion for the second time at Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix.

It’s not very likely to happen – mathematically, Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez and Mercedes driver George Russell still have outside chances – but the race does mark the first time this season the title can theoretically be won.

Realistically, Leclerc is Verstappen’s only ‘rival’. Perez would not be allowed to beat Verstappen even if he was capable of it, and Russell and Sainz are so far behind in the standings they can be discounted.

To put himself in a position to be crowned as F1 returns to the Marina Bay circuit for the first time since 2019, Verstappen must first win. Any other result means the championship will last at least until the following race in Japan.

If Verstappen does win, Leclerc must finish lower than eighth for the Dutchman to be crowned – or lower than seventh if Verstappen also sets fastest lap.

The fact Leclerc has never finished outside the top six when he has completed a race this year underlines the difficulty of Verstappen’s task.

If there is one track of the six remaining where Ferrari look to have a decent chance of beating Red Bull, it’s Singapore. The layout – lots of slow corners and few long straights – plays to their strengths.

But it being Ferrari’s best chance for a victory is not the same as saying there is a good chance. – bbc.com