Can Verstappen win the 2024 F1 championship in Las Vegas

Can Verstappen win the 2024 F1 championship in Las Vegas? Yes – and here’s how

Max Verstappen could secure his fourth consecutive Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship this weekend in Las Vegas, as he edges closer to the 2024 title.

With a commanding 62-point lead over his closest competitor, McLaren’s Lando Norris, Verstappen is in a prime position to clinch the championship with two races to spare.

Verstappen’s Dominance and Championship Context

Verstappen’s stellar performances throughout the season, particularly in the first half, have given him a significant advantage.

Heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Dutchman starts from P5, just ahead of Norris, who begins the race in P6.

This track position adds another layer of intrigue to the championship battle, though Verstappen’s path to the title is straightforward.

The Scenarios: How Verstappen Wins

For Verstappen to seal the championship in Las Vegas, several scenarios come into play.

Most critically, he needs to ensure Norris does not outscore him by more than two points.

The following are the key situations in which Verstappen can secure the title:

Norris finishes second, and Verstappen takes third with the fastest lap.

Norris finishes third, and Verstappen takes fourth with the fastest lap.

Norris finishes fourth without the fastest lap, and Verstappen takes fifth.

Norris finishes fifth without the fastest lap, and Verstappen takes sixth.

Norris finishes sixth without the fastest lap, and Verstappen takes seventh.

Norris finishes seventh without the fastest lap, and Verstappen takes eighth.

Norris finishes eighth without the fastest lap, and Verstappen takes ninth.

If Norris finishes ninth or lower, Verstappen secures the title regardless of his own position.

Additionally, if both drivers fail to score any points, Verstappen will still be crowned champion.

Norris’s Challenge: A Steep Hill to Climb

For Norris to keep his championship hopes alive, he must outscore Verstappen by at least three points. Realistically, this requires a strong result, likely a victory, while ensuring Verstappen finishes several positions behind him. However, Norris faces significant obstacles even if he overtakes Verstappen during the race.

Ahead of Norris are formidable competitors, including both Ferraris, an Alpine, and a Mercedes that has displayed impressive pace throughout the weekend.

Beating Verstappen alone won’t suffice; the McLaren driver also needs to navigate these challengers to achieve the result required to extend the championship fight to the next race in Qatar.

Verstappen’s Edge

Verstappen’s consistency and ability to maximize points, even in challenging circumstances, have been hallmarks of his success this season.

Starting from P5, he has the advantage of being slightly ahead of Norris on the grid, putting him in a favorable position to defend his lead.

With multiple scenarios working in his favor, the odds are stacked heavily against Norris, who must deliver a near-perfect race to keep his title aspirations alive.

Conclusion

The Las Vegas Grand Prix presents Verstappen with a golden opportunity to add another championship to his growing legacy.

While Norris has performed admirably to remain mathematically in contention, the path to denying Verstappen the title is narrow and fraught with challenges.

As long as Verstappen finishes close to or ahead of Norris, the Dutchman will secure his fourth straight title and cement his dominance in Formula 1.

For Norris, the mission is clear but daunting: he must outscore Verstappen by at least three points.

Anything less will see Verstappen crowned as the 2024 F1 World Champion, bringing the championship race to an early conclusion in the neon lights of Las Vegas.