PADDOCK INSIDER: Verstappen has had the most remarkable season – an impending third world title sees him join a list of F1 greats

F1 Correspondent & PresenterLawrence Barretto
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - OCTOBER 05: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looksLUSAIL CITY, QATAR - OCTOBER 05: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on October 05, 2023 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Max Verstappen cut a relaxed figure as he strolled into the striking new Qatar paddock, the Red Bull driver knowing he will almost certainly clinch a third world championship crown this weekend in the desert.

His first opportunity is Saturday’s Sprint. The only way team mate Sergio Perez can take it into Sunday’s race is if he finishes third and Verstappen fails to score. It’s an unlikely scenario, given Verstappen has finished all bar one Grand Prix in the top-two, and was still fifth on Red Bull’s worst weekend in Singapore.