The title fight is coming to an end and only Verstappen can be crowned in the penultimate race of the year.
For that, he must take at least 18 additional points on Hamilton to approach the last set with a minimum lead of 26 units.
Thus, Verstappen would be completely safe: even in the event of a perfect tie in terms of points in the championship after the final in Abu Dhabi on December 12, it is the 24-year-old Dutchman who would be titled thanks to a greater number of victories (9 against 7 out of the 20 Grands Prix already contested).
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The scenarios for a title of Verstappen in Saudi Arabia:
- If Verstappen wins the Grand Prix and takes the best lap bonus point (25 points + 1 = 26 points) and Hamilton finishes sixth or less (8 points maximum).
- If Verstappen finishes first without the fastest lap (25 points) and Hamilton finishes seventh or less (6 points maximum).
- If Verstappen finishes second with the fastest lap (18 + 1 = 19 points) and Hamilton finishes 10th or less (1 point maximum).
- If Verstappen finishes second without the fastest lap (18 points) and Hamilton does not score any points (beyond 10th place or retirement).
In other cases, it will be necessary to wait for the 22nd round of 22, and Hamilton would preserve a chance of being crowned for the eighth time world champion to beat the record of seven titles which he holds with the German Michael Schumacher.
© 2021 AFP