(Motorsport) Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen will have the opportunity to win the earliest World Championship since 2002 at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend at the Marina Bay Circuit. It will be the first time Formula 1 will be racing in Singapore since 2019 and it’s expected to be a challenging one due to the heat and street circuit layout. In order for Verstappen to win the fastest World Championship in almost two decades, he will need 22 points more than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, 9 points more than his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez and six points more than Mercedes' George Russell.

Verstappen has been in red hot form of late and victory in Singapore will be his sixth consecutive, however, the Dutchman will have to rely on the misfortune of others if he hopes to win the title this weekend. The 24 year old has won 11 out of 16 races so far and could potentially surpass Michael Schumacher (2004) and Sebastian Vettel (2013) who both had 13 race wins in a single season by winning half of the remaining races of the 2022 campaign. However, Verstappen has never won in Singapore before and the track layout could potentially suit Red Bull’s rivals Ferrari and Mercedes more. 

Both Ferrari and Mercedes have admitted that they have shifted their attention to the 2023 cars, but the Silver Arrows are also looking to win their first race of the 2022 season. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said “On the simulations it says it should be one of our better tracks. But I'm trying to stay on the careful side with any predictions." George Russell said “I think, on paper, Singapore should suit our car – but when we look back at the street circuits of Monaco and Azerbaijan, our car doesn't fare too well over the bumps. So, we're not too sure how it will fall out. But we need to keep on pushing, keep on improving the car and I'm pleased that we've got a clear direction we need to go now." 

Speaking about his title chances, Max Verstappen said “I need a bit of luck for that! I don't think about it. I want to go to Singapore and try to win that race as well. We are having a great season, so we should really try and appreciate it and enjoy the moment." There are various scenarios in which Verstappen can win the World Championship this weekend such as if he wins the race with a fastest lap (26 points) and Leclerc finishes eighth (4 points) or lower and Perez finishes fourth (12 points) or lower. If he wins the race without a fastest lap (25 points) and Leclerc finishes ninth (2 points) or lower and Perez finishes fourth or lower without a fastest lap (12 points) or fifth with a fastest lap (11 points).

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