As the 2024 Formula 1 season speeds towards its finale, Max Verstappen finds himself on the cusp of securing his fourth world championship title at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, the road to Las Vegas, and the final triple-header of the season, is a difficult one.

The Qatar Grand Prix will be a challenge for the drivers, forming part of a demanding triple-header. This complex sequence of races, spanning numerous time zones and thousands of kilometers, has been met with an understandable complaint from Max Verstappen.

During an interview with Motorsport-Total.com, Verstappen addressed the challenges this schedule presents, particularly highlighting the logistical difficulties between Las Vegas and Qatar.

“The problem for me is mainly the time difference between Vegas and Qatar,” Verstappen shared, pointing out Qatar’s 11-hour lead over Nevada. For a sport where precision and focus are so important, this time zone change introduces complexity, not only in terms of physical strain but also in the mental adaptation required of the drivers. Verstappen continued:

“If we do triple-headers, we have to make sure that they are a bit closer together,” suggesting that sequential races in more proximal locations could alleviate some of the pressures faced by the drivers and teams. “That would make more sense to me,” he added.

The Las Vegas to Qatar journey is more than just a leap across time zones. The physical demands are equally daunting, covering more than 13,000 kilometers in what is effectively an 18-hour flight. This extensive travel heightens the toll on the drivers. Verstappen noted this point, admitting the risk of illness as the season nears its end:

“At the end of the season you are simply tired, and you can easily catch a flu. The long flight does not help with that.”

Last year’s race presented formidable circumstances, with extreme desert temperatures causing distress among some drivers. The event saw Logan Sargeant retire due to illness. Although this year’s race is slated for a slightly cooler bout of weather, the challenges remain demanding.

With only three races remaining, his lead in the drivers’ championship standings places him in a strong position to clinch the title. Currently, at 393 points, Verstappen holds a substantial lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris, who trails at 331 points. Should Verstappen outperform Norris at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, he will win the 2024 F1 Driver Championship.

McLaren leads with 593 points in the Constructor Standings, trailed by Ferrari and Red Bull Racing with 557 and 544 points, respectively.