Red Bull’s Max Verstappen already has his sights on ending the season as soon as possible as he reveals that he is hoping for a perfect weekend to gain all the points he needs to guarantee that he wins the World Championship for the second year in a row.

Last year, Verstappen was engaged in a close rivalry with seven-time champion, Lewis Hamilton, and it was not until the last race, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, that we knew who last year’s champion was. This year, Verstappen has enjoyed almost no form of competition or rivalry for most of the races and just needs a few points to seal victory this weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix. 

Speaking on the issue, the Dutch driver said although he would love for a perfect race in Japan to win this season’s title, he is not putting a lot of hope on it, as he could gain the remaining points in the face after that. He said: “It would be very nice if it happens here. But if it doesn’t happen here, I will be more in favour [to win the title] the next race [the United States Grand Prix on October 23].

“It doesn’t really change anything. You just want to have a good weekend and try to maximise everything you can.

“I need a perfect weekend to clinch the title here, but to be honest, I’m not really thinking about it too much.”

Verstappen had some rivalry at the start of the season with Charles Leclerc, but a few issues kept the Ferrari driver unable to pose a real threat to Verstappen. Now, Leclerc sits 104 points behind Verstappen in second place. If Leclerc or Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez wins Sunday’s race, then Verstappen would have to wait for another weekend to see himself crowned as the World Champion for this season. 

Leon Osamor