Berlin – Ayrton Senna has already done it, and so has Michael Schumacher. And the words of Max Verstappen’s father Jos give an idea of what could happen in the final furioso of an uncompromising World Cup duel this Sunday. “He’ll try everything to get the win, that’s for sure,” announced the former Formula 1 driver: “It’s going to be exciting.” Probably true. “It will be an absolute mad fight, which could possibly be over relatively quickly”, fears the former pilot Timo Glock. It would then not be the first title duel that ends with a crash of the top pilots. Like Senna against Alain Prost or Schumacher against Damon Hill.
On Sunday, 5:00 p.m. local time (2:00 p.m. CET, Sky) on the Yas Marina Circuit, the time has come. Then Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton fold their visors back down. They will start the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with 369.5 points each. If both are eliminated, Verstappen is the new champion.
Race director Masi expressly points out sanctions
The ongoing discussion about a possible crash between the title rivals prompted race director Michal Masi to specifically point out sanctions up to point deductions and bans as a precaution. In the so-called Event Notes, a document that is routinely sent out, the Australian highlighted several articles of the Fia Sports Code that apply to unsportsmanlike conduct.
Title decision due to collision? “As a driver, you don’t think about it. The media are launching these topics, “said Verstappen on Thursday. What speaks for him As strange as it may sound at first, in terms of his driving style, he has practically nothing to lose. He attacks, drives aggressively. If he sticks to the rules, he has nothing to fear. If he is overwhelmed, Verstappen may give everyone a long evening with a decision at the green table. Verstappen has won more victories this season (9) than Hamilton (8). In terms of sport and driving, Verstappen is an opponent on an equal footing for Hamilton. One who demands everything from the British.
Hamilton interprets his role model role beyond Formula 1
Verstappen came into Formula 1 as a teenager, and even then the Dutchman was not lacking in determination and self-confidence. But Verstappen was also often the victim of his unbridled temperament combined with his ambition. A rowdy on the asphalt. And besides that: In Brazil in 2018, Verstappen freaked out after Esteban Ocon had killed him in an accident. He raged and pushed the French. The punishment: Verstappen had to do community hours. However, it has also matured. Last year he won in Abu Dhabi.
What are the advantages of Lewis Hamilton? He is a title routinist and a superstar. He has been driving for Mercedes since 2013. Every year he got better. The will, the ambition, the passion – everything unbroken. When asked on Thursday if he was sure that Verstappen wasn’t planning a crash, he thought for three or four seconds before saying: “I’m not giving it any energy. Everyone wants to win the right way. “
Hamilton emphasizes that he has seen what Verstappen is going through so many times. 2007 in its first year with a bad ending. 2008 with a good ending and the first World Cup triumph. Hamilton has been driving in Formula 1 for a decade and a half. His balance sheet shifts the perception of what was previously thought possible. The once lovesick pilot with great fluctuations in performance became a spokesman in the fight for human rights and against racism. Hamilton interprets its role model far beyond steering a silver arrow, which is still painted black.
Lewis Hamilton can deliver at the push of a button
Hamilton has long since put aside the impetuosity of a Verstappen. He stays cool in the cockpit. A big plus in a race like this one. Hamilton can also deliver at the push of a button. Together with Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes Motorsport, he made the team what it is now. He is all the more motivated and determined when things don’t go that way.
Once in a bad mood after defeats, Hamilton has become the motivator who made his first title perfect for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi in 2014, but two years later had to see Rosberg cheer there. This time his teammate can help him. Valtteri Bottas came in 2017 for the resigned Rosberg, he will be behind the wheel of the Formula 1 Mercedes for the last time. And can become an important World Cup factor if he keeps Verstappen at a distance from Hamilton.