For only the second time after 1974, the Formula 1 World Championship will be played between two drivers tied on points, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), in the final round in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Several elements can decide between them:
Victories
Both have 369.5 units on their scoreboard, but Verstappen has an advantage: his nine Grand Prix wins this year against Hamilton’s eight. If one scores more points than the other on Sunday, he will be champion. But if they end up tied (if neither of them ends up in the Top 10, if they retire or if one finishes 9e and the other 10e with the fastest lap (two points scored each), the Dutchman will be crowned with his total victories.
The experience
On the one hand Hamilton, 36, sees an eighth F1 title, which would be an absolute record, one more than Michael Schumacher. “There are some things that are different (in this championship), he admits. First, because the two teams are incredibly close. Then, because we are in uncharted waters: no one has ever won eight titles among drivers or manufacturers (which Mercedes can do). But on the other hand, I’m more relaxed than ever, he continues. This is not the first time […], I’m more confident and involved more than ever. “
Opposite, Verstappen, 24, is aiming for a first coronation. But, despite his age, he wants to believe that his seven seasons in the category have taught him a thing or two. What Hamilton says, “It’s normal,” he sweeps. I too feel much better prepared and more experienced than when I started out in F1. And no, I don’t think it makes a big difference. Otherwise, it would have already been seen during the season. “
The dynamic
When the Red Bull rider won the US and Mexico GPs in late October and early November, it looked like Hamilton was all over. But the Briton, who has notched three wins in the last three sets, has turned the tide. However, if he won a masterful GP in Brazil despite an avalanche of grid penalties, if he dominated with a head and shoulders in Qatar, Saudi Arabia last Sunday was much more complicated, and the driver Mercedes also owed their victory to Verstappen’s mistakes in qualifying and in the race. “Who will emerge victorious next weekend? I don’t know, comments Red Bull boss Christian Horner. Form is on Mercedes’ side, but Max has fought like a lion this weekend. He gave everything. “
Errors
When we look back on their clashes this season, the youngest made more mistakes. If Hamilton is responsible for their collision in Great Britain, Verstappen is responsible for that in Italy. And he defended to the limit, even beyond, in Brazil and then in Saudi Arabia, where he ended up being sanctioned. His aggressiveness has been both the strength and the Achilles heel of the Red Bull rider since his debut. His way of managing it in the ” money time Can make the difference.
The circuit
Finally, the Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi has been a “Mercedes circuit” since the introduction of hybrid engines in 2014, with six wins and six pole positions for the Silver Arrows. But, last year, Verstappen surprised by winning pole and success against a Hamilton diminished by COVID. An element of uncertainty has also been added this year: for the first time, the route has been changed. The track is now faster, which on paper should enhance the Mercedes top speed. But it’s also supposed to be more prone to overtaking, which would make qualifying less crucial and do Red Bull’s business.