The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix is set to be the destination where Max Verstappen is crowned a three-time Formula 1 champion; Verstappen could become champion on Saturday after the Sprint Race; you can watch every session from the Sprint Weekend live on Sky Sports F1
Saturday 7 October 2023 12:17, UK
Max Verstappen is on the verge of a third consecutive title and could secure the 2023 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship this Saturday at the Qatar Grand Prix - live on Sky Sports.
Verstappen leads Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez by 177 points, with only 180 points available in the remaining six events.
It means sixth place or higher for Verstappen in the Sprint Race this Saturday at the Losail International Circuit will be enough to win the title, no matter what Perez does.
Red Bull won the Constructors' Championship last time out at Suzuka and Verstappen will be aiming to win in Qatar for the first time, having finished second to Lewis Hamilton in the only previous event there in 2021.
McLaren should be strong again and will be hoping to replicate their double podium with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, while Mercedes and Ferrari are set to go head-to-head in a big battle for second in the Constructors' Standings.
Every session from the fourth Sprint Weekend of the season is live on Sky Sports F1, with the Sprint at 6:30pm on Saturday and lights out for Sunday's race at 6pm.
There was a late alteration to Saturday's schedule as concerns over tyre wear saw track limits altered and a 10-minute Practice Familiarisation added to give drivers the opportunity to adjust.
The start of the Sprint Shootout has been pushed back by 20 minutes to 2:20pm to accommodate the session, but the start of the Sprint (6:30pm) remains unchanged.
Saturday October 7
Sunday October 8
Will Max Verstappen wrap up his third world championship at the first attempt at the Qatar GP? Watch every session of the Sprint weekend live on Sky Sports F1 from October 6-8. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW for £21 a month for six months
