PADDOCK INSIDER: Verstappen has had the most remarkable season – an impending third world title sees him join a list of F1 greats

Max Verstappen cut a relaxed figure as he strolled into the striking new Qatar paddock, the Red Bull driver knowing he will almost certainly clinch a third world championship crown this weekend in the desert.

His first opportunity is Saturday’s Sprint. The only way team mate Sergio Perez can take it into Sunday’s race is if he finishes third and Verstappen fails to score. It’s an unlikely scenario, given Verstappen has finished all bar one Grand Prix in the top-two, and was still fifth on Red Bull’s worst weekend in Singapore.