In recent memory, the Formula 1 world title scrap has been all too predictable, with Brit Lewis Hamilton having won 6 of the last 7 F1 Drivers Championships.
However, there is a new contender to the throne in 2021, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen coming of age and looking ready to push Hamilton all the way – as he goes in pursuit of his record 8th world title.
Few drivers in the world come from the stock of Verstappen, with the ‘Flying Dutchman’ learning his trade from his father Jos – himself a former F1 driver and his pedigree within the world of motor racing is undoubted.
He has been seen as a potential contender for Hamilton for a few seasons but has been unable to marry his unquestionable speed with a suitable Red Bull car.
Hamilton on the charge
Winning 7 world titles has only been matched in Formula 1 by Michael Schumacher and how Lewis Hamilton would love to stand out on his own at the top of the tree.
His 12 point deficit to Verstappen can be overturned but time is running out for the Brit, who has only won 5 races on the calendar this season.
Mercedes have, as always, equipped Hamilton with a solid car and he will be gunning for Verstappen from the outset of every race, using all his knowhow and experience.
Hamilton is currently 13/8 with Paddy Power or with the bet365’s bonus offer, to catch Verstappen and win his 8th world title and it promises to be a memorable battle to the finish, regardless of which driver comes out on top.
2021 has proved different though, as Verstappen having won 8 races already this campaign – to sit 12 points clear of Hamilton in the Driver’s Championship, with only 5 races still left to run.
Hamilton however is a fierce competitor, known for his ability to eke out wins in the most unlikely of situations and he will be doing all he can to keep optimum pressure on Verstappen as the season draws to a close.
In terms of competition, Hamilton’s Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas and Verstappen’s opposite number at Red Bull Sergio Perez are a long way off the pace to finish in the top 2 but look to be in an intriguing battle for third in the Drivers’ Championship – along with the likes of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.
With only a handful of races left on the F1 calendar this season, here is a rundown of the key runners and riders:
Max to go all the way?
As with any sport, winning the first title is often the hardest and the next 5 races have the potential to define Max Verstappen’s career.
The Dutchman is still only 24 years old and with his first race coming at the tender age of 18, he has a whole bank of big racing experience to call upon.
His pathway to the very top of the sport has been overseen by Red Bull Team Director Christian Horner and this would be justification for all the hard work the team has put in during the last decade – with the last Red Bull driver to win the F1 World Championship being Sebastian Vettel in 2013.
With his 12 point lead potentially crucial in the Drivers’ Championship, Verstappen is 4/9 with Uni Bet to go all the way and lift his maiden world crown.
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