When can Red Bull become constructors' champion?
General
- Ludo van Denderen
No one doubts it, but in the end you still have to do it: Red Bull Racing is going to prolong the constructors' world title in 2023. The only question is when can the champagne be uncorked? Sooner than you might think, is the answer.
Championship can be won in Singapore
Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the Austrian team has accumulated 583 points. Its closest pursuer is Mercedes and that team has 273 points. Ferrari follows in third position (228) and Aston Martin is fourth (217). If Red Bull Racing can travel to Japan with a 353-point lead after the race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, the title will be firmly clinched this Sunday.
The difference with Mercedes is currently 310 points, so Red Bull must finish first and second, while the Germans should remain scoreless. If Mercedes takes one point, Red Bull must also drive the fastest lap of the race. Otherwise, the team of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez does not yet capture the title in Singapore. That is likely to happen in Japan then. If after the Suzuka race the margin to Mercedes is 309 points or more, the constructors' title for Red Bull will be a reality.
When will Max Verstappen become champion?
Max Verstappen cannot secure the world drivers' title in Singapore anyway. The championship leader currently has a 145-point lead over his teammate Sergio Perez. In fact, 232 points remain to be earned during the rest of the season. Looking at the average number of points achieved by Verstappen (26) and Perez (15.6) per Grand Prix weekend, it is obvious that the Dutchman will take his third world title in Qatar (where a Sprint will also be held).
After the race in the oil state, Verstappen's lead should then be 147 points over Perez. To become champion in Japan anyway, the Dutchman's lead needs to grow by 35 points over the next two races. That seems difficult, but it is not completely out of the question either.