While Max Verstappen could have wrapped up the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship at the Singapore Grand Prix, his frustrating seventh-place finish means he will have to wait an extra week.
The Japanese Grand Prix is Verstappen’s next hope and with the added support of Honda’s home crowd, it could make it all the more emotional.
Five more races remain on the calendar meaning there are still a maximum total of 138 points up for grabs, including the point for fastest lap and the Sprint Race in Brazil.
As Verstappen’s lead to Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez did shrink following their results in Singapore, he still leads in the Drivers’ Standings by 104 points and 106 points, respectively.
To take home the title at Suzuka, Verstappen will need to finish the weekend with a gap of 112 points. In other words, he needs to outscore Leclerc by eight points and his team-mate by six.
If Verstappen wins in Japan, he will need Leclerc to come third or lower with Perez anywhere else to be crowned a two-time world champion.
In the unlikely event that Verstappen suffers another frustrating race in the midfield, sixth place is the lowest he is able to finish for any hope of sealing the title. A result would also need Perez to be ninth or lower and Leclerc to finish outside of the points.
If Leclerc or Perez stand on the top step of the podium instead, then the United States Grand Prix will be Verstappen’s next chance of clinching the title.
The possibility of Red Bull winning the Constructors’ Championship will also be available at the United States Grand Prix if the Austrian team have a good weekend in Japan.
There are still a maximum of 191 points available for teams and Red Bull currently have a 137-point lead on Ferrari.
A dream one-two with the fastest lap would put them needing just ten points to clinch both championships.
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