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Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 24, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the race with second place Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 24, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the race with second place Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton REUTERS/Brian Snyder
We’ve finally arrived at that time of the year where the concept of ‘probability’ creeps its way into Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are mathematically the only two drivers left in contention for the world championship title this season.
But, who is ultimately going to grab it? There are lots at stake at the moment and with only a couple of races remaining on the calendar, there is no room for error for both the drivers, as they will be looking to bring about their A-game to play.
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How the world championship can play out from here
The next stop is Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia, a track that carries no racing history whatsoever. Hence, there is a massive level of uncertainty prevailing at the moment over how the weekend could pan out. But, in the end, all eyes will land on the two title contenders.
Why you might ask? Well, for the first time this season, Verstappen has the opportunity to secure his title in Jeddah; It doesn’t just depend on his own result, but also on his rival, Hamilton’s, too.
Max Verstappen to win the F1 title
The gap between Verstappen and Hamilton in the driver’s standings is currently a mere 8 points. Hence, one scenario where the Dutchman could lift the title in Saudi Arabia is by winning the race and clinching the fastest lap point while Hamilton finishes P6 or lower.
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Formula One F1 – Mexico City Grand Prix – Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico – November 7, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the race Pool via REUTERS/Francisco Guasco
In case Verstappen fails to secure the fastest lap, Hamilton would have to finish P7 or lower. In this scenario, Hamilton securing the fastest lap wouldn’t matter.
If Verstappen finishes P2 and clinches the fastest lap, Hamilton would have to finish P10 or lower. In case Verstappen failed to secure the fastest lap point, Hamilton would have to finish outside of the top 10.
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Lewis Hamilton to extend his title fight to Abu Dhabi
Well, it’s quite simple! Hamilton must win the race in Jeddah and clinch the fastest lap point in which case, he will be on level with Verstappen in the driver’s standings.
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Qatar Grand Prix – Losail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar – November 21, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton after winning the race REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/Pool
But, let’s consider the worst possible scenario – Hamilton suffers a DNF, then, Verstappen would have to finish P3 or lower to take the title rivalry to what could be an intense final showdown in Abu Dhabi.
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Overall, we’re almost there people! The answer to ‘who is going to win the 2021 F1 world championship title?’ is within earshot. And irrespective of who lifts the trophy, there is no denying that both Verstappen and Hamilton have produced an insane rivalry, something the sport has missed for over 5 years.
Watch Story: Lewis Hamilton: Ranking His F1 World Titles From 2008 to 2020
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