Max Verstappen is on the verge of securing his third F1 World Championship title at the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, and there are several potential scenarios in play.

Verstappen’s dominant season, marked by 13 wins in 16 races, has propelled him to a substantial lead of 177 points over Sergio Perez in the championship standings. With six races left, a maximum of 180 points is up for grabs, consisting of 156 points from the Grands Prix and 24 from the remaining Sprint races.

Mathematically, Verstappen could clinch the title as early as the Sprint race in Qatar on Saturday, a feat not seen in 35 years, making him the first driver to secure a championship before the Grand Prix even begins since Nigel Mansell’s withdrawal from the 1987 Japanese Grand Prix due to a crash during Friday practice, which effectively handed the title to Nelson Piquet.

Even if Verstappen doesn’t finish the Sprint race, Perez must secure at least a 3rd-place finish to keep the championship battle alive. Should Perez finish below fourth in the Sprint race, Verstappen would be crowned the World Champion, regardless of his own placement.

In the unlikely scenario where Verstappen scores zero points and Perez emerges victorious, Verstappen still has a chance to secure the title on Sunday. 

A finish in eighth place during the Qatar Grand Prix would suffice for him to claim his third championship. Perez would need to win the race while hoping for Verstappen to finish outside the top eight to maintain his championship hopes.