Verstappen looks forward to Qatar: 'That's our main aim'

A first title could be celebrated after a crazy denouement in 2021. A year later, it was only celebration after interviews when Charles Leclerc was given a time penalty after the race. And this season, Max Verstappen may just win his third world title in an unusual way. Namely, if he finishes at least sixth in the Sprint on Saturday, the Dutchman will definitely be the 2023 champion in Qatar.

In the unlikely event of a failure on Saturday, things would have to be crazy for Verstappen not to decide the championship in the second round the following day. Indeed, Verstappen will start the race (again) as the clear favourite, on a track that should suit him and his RB19 very well. In short, for the now two-time champion, it is a weekend to look forward to: "It feels good to be heading to Qatar with the Constructors' Championship secured. The track there is really fun to drive, although it's going to be a tough weekend for all of us as it's so hot there. The temperatures will definitely make it interesting. This weekend is also a Sprint race so we need to make sure we learn as much as we can from the practice session on Friday. The Drivers' Championship can also be won during the Sprint race on Saturday so that is our main aim. Hopefully it will be a weekend to remember!"

Constructors' title is already in for Red Bull

Just over a week ago, Verstappen and Red Bull Racing already managed to grab the first top prize of the season. In Japan, he picked up enough points to give the Austrians the constructors' title for the second time in a row. That teammate Sergio Perez crashed out at Suzuka was of no consequence for the constructors, thanks to Verstappen's victory.