Max Verstappen has said he needs a perfect weekend if he is to take the world championship at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The Dutchman is on the verge of becoming a double world champion and can seal the deal for certain if he wins the race and takes the bonus point for the fastest lap.
A pretty simple task written down, then, but a far harder one to execute, even for a driver that has ended up waltzing away with things this season.
Max Verstappen eyes a 'perfect weekend'
SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 06: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on October 06, 2022 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images )
Indeed, this is his second chance already at winning the title, with his first opening coming at Singapore last weekend, and even if he does not take the crown at Suzuka he'll have several more opportunities before anyone else even has a sniff.
Verstappen is in a strong position, then, but he says he is not thinking about the prospect of taking the title this weekend, with him knowing his chances only get better in Austin if he gets a positive result this time out but narrowly misses out on the crown.
Speaking to the press ahead of the Japanese GP weekend, he said:
It would be very nice if it happens here but if it doesn't, it will be even more in favour at the next race.
"It doesn't really change anything – you just try to maximise everything you can. I need a perfect weekend to clinch the title here but to be honest I am not really thinking about it too much."
Max Verstappen's title charge
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 30: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 30, 2022 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images,)
It has been one-way traffic in the title race for Max Verstappen, and he finds himself with several strikes at glory with no-one else in sight.
Charles Leclerc is second in the standings and is over 100 points back, so it's clear that Verstappen's destiny very much lies in his hands.
That's all you can ask for as a racing driver and he'll be hoping that this is the weekend where he can get the job done.
READ MORE: MAX VERSTAPPEN TITLE PERMUTATIONS
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