WE are into the final four races of this epic F1 season.
A total of 19-points separate championship leader Max Verstappen from title holder, Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton, who has won the title a joint-record seven times, has never overturned such a points deficit to land the world crown.
And in what would offer another first, incredibly, Verstappen has never won ANY car-racing title before.
Here SunSport looks at the four races and tries to predict where both the drivers’ and constructor’s championship titles will be heading.
CURRENT STANDINGS
Driver Championship
- Verstappen 312.5
- Hamilton 293.5
Constructors Championship
- Mercedes 478.5
- Red Bull Racing 477.5
BRAZIL
THINK of Brazil, and you think of Ayrton Senna.
The wonderful Sao Paulo track really is a special place that has served up some thrilling races.
In recent years, it has been a happy hunting ground for Mercedes, however, in 2019, the last time it held a GP, Verstappen was the winner.
Worth noting also, that Hamilton has only won twice in Brazil.
This year it would appear to suit the Red Bull car, or more importantly their Honda engine.
However, weather can change things in Sao Paulo and a bit of rain would redraw the form book.
That said, it is due to be sunny and dry on Sunday and that would suit Verstappen and Red Bull down to the ground.
- VERDICT: VERSTAPPEN WIN
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
QATAR
NEW track for 2021, the Moto GP circuit was the last race to be bolted on to the end of the calendar to take the tally to 22 races.
Little is known about how F1 cars will perform in Doha.
Sure, they have all done simulations and the top teams have all sent representatives to make a personal check, but there is nothing that will be guaranteed until practice starts.
With that unknown comes uncertainty and in that case, it is always best to look towards experience.
Hamilton has bags of it, and if he was looking to stop the rot and keep the title race interesting, this could be his best chance of doing just that.
- VERDICT: VERSTAPPEN WIN
SAUDI ARABIA
ANOTHER new track, and another tight one to call.
Interestingly, this circuit – built in 12 months – promises to be the second quickest (after Monza) of the year and has been designed to mirror the fast-flowing corners of Silverstone, home of the British GP.
Look back to both those races this year and one thing sticks out.
Crashes involving Hamilton and Verstappen.
Could there be a repeat in Saudi Arabia? You’d not bet against it.
That said, if it is kept clean, the Red Bull top speed could be too much for Hamilton and Merc to overturn.
- VERDICT: VERSTAPPEN WIN
ABU DHABI
THE final race of the year, but will it hold the decider?
Not based on the above predictions, but if it did, then this offers Hamilton another chance.
The Brit has won there five times before, including victory at Yas Marina in 2019.
Tight to call, as the power advantage will not count for much for Red Bull.
Downforce, experience and technique will be key, in which case, it could be Hamilton’s.
Even if the title is won by Abu Dhabi, it would be a good marker for either driver to set down as they head into 2022.
- VERDICT: HAMILTON WIN
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
