Dutch driver Max Verstappen, racing for Red Bull, could seal another dramatic title during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend as he marks his 25th birthday. The Formula 1 World Championship takes another step toward crowning a back-to-back champion, with four races left on the calendar before the season concludes. Verstappen arrives with momentum, aiming to extend his lead while keeping the suspense alive for fans across North America and around the world.
With only four rounds remaining, Verstappen has a clear route to the title. If he wins and secures the fastest lap bonus point, he would stretch his advantage over Charles Leclerc to eight points. The strategy remains straightforward: victory plus the bonus point gives Verstappen room to maneuver, while Leclerc would need a strong finish in the remaining races to close the gap. If Ferrari can place Leclerc on the podium while Verstappen clinches victory and the fastest lap, the battle for the championship would tighten further, keeping the title race wide open through the final races of the season.
Spanish driver Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz set the pace in the opening practice sessions, with the morning session seeing a standout performance from Alonso and Sainz. The afternoon session swung to the advantage of the British driver George Russell, who led the Mercedes charge as teams tested setups in challenging conditions. Rain on the Suzuka circuit forced teams to balance performance between wet and intermediate tires, creating a dynamic environment for the weekend. As the day progressed, Russell and Hamilton topped the timing screens, signaling a suspenseful qualifying ahead. With forecasts pointing to varying weather and a dry spell possible for the decisive runs, teams are preparing for a tight Saturday session to determine the grid position for the race.
Where to watch Formula 1 races
Fans who can’t be in the grandstands can still catch every moment of the action. The excitement of the circus travels to television sets, delivering the thrill of every lap to viewers across the globe. In many regions, the broadcasting rights are held by major platforms, ensuring consistent coverage throughout the season. In some markets, access to the full weekend may require a subscription, while others offer limited free-to-air options. Viewers are advised to check local listings for the exact schedule and channel allocations. The core goal remains the same: bring the drama of qualifying, sprint events, and the main race into homes with reliable, high-quality coverage.
For those without traditional access, live streams provide an alternative to follow the action in real time, subject to regional restrictions and stream quality. Regardless of the platform, fans can expect comprehensive race-day analysis, team radio highlights, and post-race breakdowns that unpack key moments from the session.
F1 Japanese GP Qualifying Schedule
Saturday, October 8
08:00 Classification