Max Verstappen clocked the fastest time in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, further boosting his chances of claiming a second World Championship in Sunday's race.
However, this depends not only on where the Dutchman finishes, but also the end result for the two other drivers who – on paper – still have a mathematical chance of winning the title: Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.
Verstappen sits at the top of the standings with 341 points, giving him a 104-point lead over Leclerc and a 106-point advantage over Perez. Leclerc will start the Grand Prix from second on the grid, while Perez lines up in fourth.
Should Verstappen win the race as well as claiming an additional point for the fastest lap, the championship will be his, regardless of where his competitors finish.
If the reigning World Champion takes victory without the fastest lap accolade, Leclerc would need to end the race in third or lower for Verstappen to still claim the title.
Ultimately, Verstappen needs to build a gap of 112 points to Leclerc and Perez in order to take the top prize.
Below are all of the ways in which the Red Bull driver can win the 2022 F1 World Championship at the Japanese Grand Prix.
How Verstappen can win the World Championship in Japan
| Verstappen | Leclerc | Perez |
|---|---|---|
| P1 and fastest lap | Verstappen wins championship | Verstappen wins championship |
| P1 | P3 or lower | P2 or lower |
| P2 and fastest lap | P5 or lower | P4 or lower |
| P2 | P5 without fastest lap / P6 or lower | P4 without fastest lap / P5 or lower |
| P3 and fastest lap | P6 or lower | P5 or lower |
| P3 | P7 or lower | P6 or lower |
| P4 and fastest lap | P8 or lower | P7 or lower |
| P4 | P8 without fastest lap / P9 or lower | P7 without fastest lap / P8 or lower |
| P5 and fastest lap | P9 or lower | P8 or lower |
| P5 | P9 without fastest lap / P10 or lower | P8 without fastest lap / P9 or lower |
| P6 and fastest lap | P10 without fastest lap / P11 or lower | P9 or lower |
| P6 | P11 or lower | P9 without fastest lap / P10 or lower |
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