The Las Vegas Grand Prix has brought a level of unpredictability rarely seen in Formula 1’s modern era. While Max Verstappen’s exquisite form this season has all but assured him of another world championship, the theoretical prospect of an early elimination from the title race provides a fascinating lens through which to view both the Dutch driver’s supremacy and the ever-present twists F1 can manufacture. For Hungarian Formula 1 fans, the excitement is not just about witnessing historic races, but also about understanding the intricate regulations and scenarios shaping the championship landscape.
This season, Verstappen has set a formidable pace, regularly outmatching even his closest challengers. Yet, in a sport governed by complex points systems and ever-adapting rules, mathematical possibilities linger. The Las Vegas circuit, new to most of the grid, brings with it the possibility of upsets, accidents, and unpredictable results—a reminder that nothing is truly certain until the checkered flag falls. Not since the turbo-hybrid era's dawn have we seen such intrigue deep into the F1 schedule.
From a mathematical standpoint, a driver can be eliminated from title contention when it becomes impossible to amass enough points in the remaining races to surpass the leader’s total. Considering Verstappen’s current commanding points tally, only an extraordinary combination of race retirements, penalties, and rivals winning every subsequent race without exception could see him eliminated in Las Vegas. Yet, even this far-fetched scenario serves as an engaging thought experiment for tactical-minded fans and illustrates just how far Verstappen’s dominance has pushed the boundaries of competition.
For fans eager to understand the nuances, here’s how the elimination process works: With each Grand Prix, points are awarded to the top ten finishers, plus an extra point for the fastest lap (if achieved within the top ten). The challenge for Verstappen’s rivals is not just to win, but to prevent him from scoring even minor points. With the current format—spanning sprints and main races—the maximum a driver can earn in a perfect weekend is 26 points (25 for victory plus 1 for the fastest lap, and more if a sprint is held). The chasers, such as Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton, would need to string together utter perfection while hoping for Verstappen to suffer rare point-less outings.
Unlikely as this all is, the rookies on the Las Vegas street circuit, the threat of mechanical ailments, or incidents borne from close racing at high speeds could—at least mathematically—throw fate a curveball. Historically, Las Vegas witnessed moments of title drama in the early 1980s, but since then, the stakes have rarely been so calculated this late in the season. Modern F1 cars are more reliable than ever, and Verstappen’s blend of measured aggression and Red Bull’s technical prowess has made shock retirements very rare. Still, the tantalizing prospect of “what-if” scenarios is what keeps passionate Hungarian and worldwide fans glued to their screens—right to the season’s final lap.
In Hungary, Formula 1 holds a special place in the hearts of fans. The Hungarian Grand Prix, hosted at the iconic Hungaroring, often provides surprises. It was here in the past that we saw unpredictable rain strategies upturn form books or midfield teams ascend the podium. As the season winds toward its conclusion, fans gather—whether in Budapest’s bars or at home—to debate these mathematical curiosities. They remind us that F1 is not just a sport of speed, but a game of numbers, minds, and heart-stopping moments where anything is theoretically possible.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that nothing in Formula 1 should be taken for granted. Verstappen may stand on the brink of further glory, but fans and analysts alike will keep one eye on those championship permutations, savoring every lap not just for what is likely, but for what could, against all odds, still unfold.
