In a dramatic finish at Japan's Suzuka Circuit, Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen clinched the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship for his team. In the end, it was Verstappen's brilliant performance at the Japanese Grand Prix that clinched the deal for the team and cemented their position as one of the most dominant powers in recent Formula 1 history.

Multiple cars collided during the start of the race as they attempted to navigate turn 1 at Suzuka, prompting the deployment of the safety car at the end of the first lap. Red Bull entered the race knowing it could keep its championship if it finished ahead of Mercedes by one point and behind Ferrari by less than 24 points. After a tumultuous start to the Grand Prix, in which Sergio Perez was forced to retire, Max Verstappen was able to win from pole position, setting the fastest lap and earning a total of 26 points.

With Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finishing fourth and sixth for Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finishing fifth and seventh for Mercedes, Christian Horner's team secured their sixth championship.

After a close call at the first turn with Lando Norris, pole sitter Max Verstappen cruised to a 19-second victory. Thanks to Verstappen's 26 points, Red Bull has clinched the Constructors' Championship ahead of Mercedes and Ferrari with six races to go. McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri earned his maiden Formula 1 podium result, while Norris finished second.

Max Verstappen's Remarkable Season

Max Verstappen has been nothing short of spectacular in Formula One so far in 2023. Even at the outset, the Dutch phenomenon demonstrated his talent, outperforming his competitors and engaging in fierce competition with other great drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The season had been a wild trip packed with exciting races and fierce rivalry, but in the end, Verstappen's dogged perseverance and talent were what mattered most.

The highlight of Verstappen's season came when he won the Japanese Grand Prix at the difficult Suzuka Circuit. Verstappen eliminated all margin for error with his formidable blend of speed, precision, and in-depth knowledge of the race dynamics. He smiled as he crossed the finish line, knowing he had not only won the race but also helped his team win the championship.

How can Verstappen win the 2023 F1 world championship in Qatar?

He's won 13 of the 15 races in F1 2023, and is on the verge of another title in Qatar. With 180 points, Verstappen has a 177-point lead over teammate Sergio Perez heading into Qatar. Even if Perez wins the sprint race, Verstappen will still be champion if he finishes sixth (three points granted).

If Perez finishes second, then he just needs to place seventh in the sprint, and if he finishes third, then he only needs to place eighth to win the championship. In the sprint race, Verstappen will be crowned champion regardless of whether or not Perez places higher than fourth.

Verstappen looks like he'll win the Qatar sprint race and claim his third title based on his recent performance.