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

Following the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen has come within three points of securing the Formula 1 Drivers’ championship for the third consecutive year.

With only 180 points on offer across the six remaining races this year, including the three Sprint Races (Qatar, Texas, Brazil), Verstappen only needs to do the minimum to be crowned champion next time out in Qatar.

And more, he could become the first driver in F1 history to win the title on a Saturday (in the Qatar Sprint Race next weekend).

Red Bull won the 2023 F1 Constructors' title in Japan, doing so with six races remaining this year - a new F1 record.

"From the crazy hours through to the relentless pursuit for better, it is a true team effort and one to be immensely proud of," team boss Christian Horner said after Japan.

"We look towards Qatar and a possible driver Championship. Only a Red Bull driver can win it now, so there will be more celebrations to come in what can only be described as a monumental season in the team's history."

With 400 points to his name and Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez lagging on 223, here's what Verstappen needs to do to win the title with five races remaining - the biggest Grands Prix margin still to run in a season in the sport's history.

The points needed

Across the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, 34 points are on offer for the winner. This includes the 25 points for the win, the bonus point for setting the fastest lap, and 8 for winning the Sprint Race.

In the (unlikely) event that Perez wins the Sprint Race, Verstappen must finish seventh or eighth (two points and one point, respectively) to be denied the title. Sixth (three points) or higher in the Sprint will be enough for Verstappen to be crowned the champion.

Perez must finish