The main event during an F1 Grand Prix weekend is usually the race on a Sunday. However, the way Max Verstappen has dominated the 2023 season, perhaps the most important day is going to land on a Saturday. The Dutchman could wrap up his third title victory on a Saturday if he finishes sixth or higher during the Qatar GP sprint this weekend. Since the sport could witness an unconventional weekend during the Qatar GP, F1 media could be the biggest winners.
If Verstappen does win the title on Saturday, the media can have a relaxed Sunday and can focus on enjoying the main race. This is because most of the attention during this weekend will be all over if the Red Bull driver does end up sealing the championship on Saturday.
F1 experts explains how Max Verstappen’s title win could help the media
While speaking on the most recent episode of the F1 Unlapped podcast, Nate Saunders explained how Max Verstappen can help the media by clinching the title on a Saturday. When asked about the same, the F1 expert replied, “It takes the air out of the Sunday race, knowing that the championship is over on a Saturday. I think it might be a slightly more relaxed Sunday“.
After stating the same, the F1 expert also added how the media could benefit from getting a higher amount of attention from the teams on Saturday if Verstappen clinches the title. Saunders stated that since teams are usually in a rush to leave the venue after the race is over on a Sunday and travel to their next destination, the media often does not get time with them.
As for Verstappen, if he does manage to win the title on a Saturday, he will follow in his girlfriend’s father’s footsteps. Nelson Piquet, the father of Kelly Piquet, has won the championship on a Saturday on two occasions. He first did so in 1981 before repeating the same two years later.
How did Nelson Piquet win two titles on a Saturday?
Nelson Piquet won his first championship on a Saturday back in 1981 when he finished fifth at the season finale in Las Vegas. He also won his second title on a Saturday by finishing third in the season finale in Kyalami, South Africa.
Since there is a real possibility that Max Verstappen could also emulate Piquet in this regard, the Dutchman was asked for his thoughts ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix. In reply, the 25-year-old stated (as quoted by espn.in), “Well, it’s not like it came out of the blue that I was going to win the championship here or next week. I don’t think it really changes a lot“.
Constructors Champions of the world!!! 🏆
What an unbelievable season we’re having 🙌 I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this @redbullracing 🙌 Everyone working on the track and back in the factory, thank you so much. What a rocket ship 🚀
It’s amazing to achieve this… pic.twitter.com/c1MHnjukCr
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) September 24, 2023
The Red Bull driver then added that while it is difficult for him to celebrate on a Saturday, if he does end up sealing the title, he will then “see what happens on Sunday.” With Red Bull on the verge of securing both championships this weekend, the team will then look to extend their domination in the remaining races.
The Milton Keynes outfit, who have already won 15 of the 16 races so far, will hope to register more wins in the coming races. With six Grand Prix remaining this year, Red Bull could extend their number of victories this season to a whopping 21 if they win all the remaining races.
