What Verstappen and Leclerc have to do in Abu Dhabi to get 3rd in the championship

The difference

As it stands, Verstappen is 11 points clear of Leclerc. Coming into the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, Leclerc was the one who was 14 points clear, but his retirement combined with Verstappen's win at Interlagos has completely flipped the script.

As you can see in the table, it will take a gargantuan effort from Leclerc to leapfrog the Dutchman again. Especially since Verstappen has more wins than the Monegasque, which would give him the edge should they draw level on points.

What needs to happen

Verstappen would only really be in trouble if either he retires from the race himself or if Leclerc wins the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. If Verstappen does indeed not finish the race, fourth place would be enough for Leclerc as he'd receive 12 points, giving him the edge by a single point.

In the highly likely scenario that Verstappen finishes within the top six, Leclerc simply needs to win and keep his Dutch rival off the podium, something which seems tough with Verstappen's recent form. 

If Verstappen finished first or second, it's over no matter what. Should Leclerc win and take the fastest lap, however, a P3 or lower from Max would give Leclerc the edge. All a bit complex, so here is a table with all the scenario's in which Leclerc would get third place in the championship.