Formula 1: Charles Leclerc facing elimination in Singapore

Charles Leclerc can be mathematically eliminated from winning the 2022 Formula 1 world championship in the Singapore Grand Prix.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc may still be sitting in second place in the Formula 1 driver standings, which is where he has been for much of the time since losing the lead with his Spanish Grand Prix retirement back in May, but he could be eliminated with five races remaining on the 22-race 2022 schedule.

Leclerc is one of five drivers still in championship contention following the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, and he is one of four who could be eliminated in the season’s next race, the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit this Sunday, October 2.

Following his runner-up finish in the 53-lap race around the 11-turn, 3.6-mile (5.794-kilometer) road course in Monza, Italy, Leclerc trails points leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull by 116 points.

Throughout the season’s final six races, there are still 164 points on the table for each driver.

Race winners score 25 points and there is an additional point on offer for the driver who runs the race’s fastest lap. There is also still one more sprint qualifying race this season, and the winner of this race scores an additional eight points.

This means that following the upcoming 61-lap race around the 23-turn, 3.146-mile (5.063-kilometer) temporary street circuit in Marina Bay, Singapore, there will be just 138 points on the table for each driver.

Leclerc must be within 137 points of Verstappen after this race to keep his world championship hopes alive. The reason he needs to be within 137 points and not 138 points is because Verstappen has already clinched the tiebreaker. With 11 wins in 2022, no driver can win more than Verstappen this year. Leclerc, who owns three victories, can only secure up to nine.

Teammate Carlos Sainz Jr., Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, and Mercedes’ George Russell can also be mathematically eliminated from title contention in Singapore. The Italian Grand Prix officially eliminated seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

ESPN is set to broadcast the Singapore Grand Prix live from Marina Bay Street Circuit beginning at 7:55 a.m. ET this Sunday. Start a free trial of FuboTV today and don’t miss it!