Talking points ahead of Qatar GP: Max on the brink, Mercedes' battle within, and a bridesmaid

Heading into the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, several talking points are starting to pop up.

The most pertinent among these is whether Max Verstappen will secure his third Formula 1 Drivers' championship in as many years.

Perhaps just as importantly, how will the outcome of the race impact the 'Battle for Second'?

Five talking points must be addressed when the chequered flag drops on Sunday.

1 Verstappen gunning for gold

The Qatar race weekend will present Red Bull's Verstappen with two opportunities to win the 2023 title. The first will be in Saturday's Sprint Race, followed by the Grand Prix on Sunday. Throughout the weekend, Verstappen only needs to secure three points in order for the crown to be his.

In the Sprint Race, only the top eight finishers will be rewarded points (eight points for the winner, one for eighth). If Verstappen finishes as low as sixth (three points) he will have done enough to secure the title.

In Sunday's race, eighth place will give him the three points he needs.

READ | The points permutations: Minimum effort required for Verstappen to win F1 title

If the Dutchman secures the gold in the Sprint Race, it will be the first time in F1 history that the title is decided on a Saturday.

If he does, he will match Michael Schumacher's 2002 record of securing the championship with six Grand Prix remaining, including Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix.

Moreover, if Verstappen wins on Sunday, he will be one victory away from matching the record for most victories in a single season - 15 - he set in 2022. He is currently on win #13.

2 Battle for second

Though Aston Martin and star driver Fernando Alonso started the 2023 season with a bang, their car development went backwards, resulting in the team losing second place in