Max Verstappen could beat Lewis Hamilton to the F1 championship at Saudi Arabian GP – A look at all the possible scenarios

Max Verstappen could beat Lewis Hamilton to the F1 championship at Saudi Arabian GP – A look at all the possible scenarios

Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen

The Formula One championship enters its final stretch, as two races remain, which will also decide the fate of the season. The two championship contenders have given it everything in the last 21 races, as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are separated by just 8 points.

Max Verstappen has the point advantage going into the penultimate race of the season in Jeddah, as he tops the charts with an 8 point lead over Lewis Hamilton. However, ever since taking his new engine, Hamilton has won back-to-back races in Brazil and Qatar. Moreover, Saudi Arabian GP will have narrower tracks, with long straights which could present an opportunity to Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.

Max Verstappen could win the championship in Jeddah this weekend, given that all things were to work out in his favor. Not only does he need an extraordinary drive from himself, but he also needs Lewis Hamilton to have a poor outing at the Saudi Arabian GP.

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Four scenarios as to how Max Verstappen could win the championship at Jeddah circuit

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton won the first ever Qatar GP

The margin for error for both drivers are almost negligible, as they cannot afford to make any more mistakes at this point in time. Four scenarios which could see Max Verstappen winning the championship in Jeddah:

A look at the scenarios:

  • Max Verstappen finishes P1 with the fastest lap, whereas Lewis Hamilton finishes sixth or lower
  • The Dutchman finishes P1, and Hamilton finished P7 or lower
  • The current championship leader finishes P2 with the fastest lap, and the Briton finishes P10 or lower.
  • Verstappen finishes P2, and the Mercedes driver does not score any points

As one can see, there are several permutations and combinations as to the possibility of Max Verstappen winning this weekend. However, given Lewis Hamilton’s experience driving at the biggest stage, it is unlikely that he is going to finish so low in the standings in Saudi Arabia.

One can expect a scenario where the championship could be decided in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi next weekend. This looks more realistic given the fact that Mercedes will have the upper hand in Jeddah this week.

Also Read: Max Verstappen could take engine penalty at 2021 season finale