Lewis Hamilton Dismisses Key Max Verstappen F1 Advantage Ahead of Saudi Arabian GP

The race at Jeddah is sure to be a nail-biting one. Especially after Max Verstappen’s ruined qualifying run, Lewis Hamilton has a fighting chance to considerably narrow down the points gap to his rival. With what could be an easy win for him, there is still a lot more that could flip the switch on Hamilton.

Hamilton will start Sunday’s race on tires that are five years older than Verstappen’s. Will this put Mercedes’ strategy on a backfoot? Hamilton doesn’t think so. “We shall see[if there are any consequences to it]. I think what we found yesterday with our long run is that there is not really a lot of wear on the tires so, for sure, they’re not as fresh but they don’t wear a lot at this track for some reason.”

Nonetheless, the white boots had favored the team, and the circuit did too. However, if Verstappen’s ruined lap is anything to go by, the Red Bull has pace as well. However, Hamilton hopes for the best. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to hold on. As I said, the tires are quite durable here.”

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Verstappen may have the fresher tires and probably even the pace; but Hamilton has a clear run to Turn 1; a good start could easily mean a comfortable race lead for the reigning champion.

Lewis Hamilton is confident, but Mercedes has doubts

After the first two practice sessions, if was sure that the circuit was a Mercedes circuit, as it was assumed to be. However, on Saturday, Red Bull hit the tracks with some newfound confidence. And this came as a surprise to the Silver Arrows.

Although the front row lookout was impressive, Toto Wolff wasnt completely happy. “[We] clearly weren’t quick enough today. Probably the drivers outperformed the car, and Max would have been on pole by I guess almost half a second.”

Max was on his best lap of the season. From the first time he took his RB16 onto the track, he understood the circuit thoroughly. The mysterious pace? Still worrying for the rival team. ” It’s not what we expected…  I think we can deem ourselves fortunate by that situation. The race is a totally different game again.”

The high speed nature of the circuit tips towards Mercedes‘ layout. However, if this season has taught us anything, its that nothing is impossible. Will this race end up being a championship decider?

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