Max Verstappen is set to win the title in Qatar’s Grand Prix race

Max Verstappen is in an unusual position of being able to complete his third consecutive Drivers' Championship this weekend in Qatar, provided he places sixth and above.

Max Verstappen, the Dutch F1 driver, has won his third straight title, which is likely to be announced this weekend. With the way things are turning out, Verstappen has the chance to win the driver’s championship in the sprint race on Saturday in Qatar. In order to do so, Verstappen only needs to finish sixth or better in the sprint race to take home the championship.

The circumstances for Max Verstappen are unique as he can win the championship title in the middle of the Grand Prix weekend, allowing him to celebrate and let his achievement sink in before taking the wheel on Sunday.

For a track new to Formula One, witnessing a championship being won in Qatar would be an unforgettable experience. Due to the FIFA World Cup also taking place in Qatar that year, the Lusail International Circuit skipped the previous year and held its maiden grand prix in 2021 instead. This year's race kicks off a 10-year agreement to hold F1 races in Qatar.

Verstappen is once again the clear favorite to win the race, and he also enjoys an advantage in each qualifying round. Lando Norris shares the same odds (+1200, 12-to-1) as Sergio Pérez to win the Grand Prix, signaling the McLaren team's comeback.