Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen — © Mercedes F1 team
After the Mexican GP, Red Bull seemed to have pulled the curtain in the title battle, but a week later no one is sure of that, two-time world champion Mika Häkkinen has also seen that.
The Finn writes in his column for Unibet that the fact that both teams and drivers are so evenly matched makes this such an exciting and unpredictable championship.
“From one weekend to the next, from one track to another, the battle shifts from Red Bull to Mercedes and back again. Every car has its strengths and weaknesses and the battle is so finely balanced that the characteristics of the different circuits really have a big impact.”
In Brazil, there was another close-quarters fight between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, so sharp, in fact, that at one point the track didn’t seem to be wide enough.
“What happened in turn four on lap forty-eight was an example of how hard Max is willing to push. Keeping the wheel open is an easy way to intimidate a rival, but it can also lead to a crash.”
Moreover, Hakkinen does not think intimidating Hamilton will work: “He likes a challenge. It gives him extra focus.”
Mercedes has asked the stewards to look into the matter after the race but Hakkinen is pleased that they did not intervene during the race. He also hopes that the investigation requested by Mercedes will not lead to a penalty for Verstappen.
“Both cars went off the track and came back in the same order without damage. As with the disqualification, I’m sure this has given Lewis extra motivation.”
“The right way to win the championship is to race hard but fair, with brilliant overtaking moves and the win decided at the black and white checkered flag. This is such a good world championship that I really don’t want accidents, penalties or the stewards to determine the end result.”
More F1 news:– Mercedes confirms: “Engine change Lewis Hamilton was strategic”– Alonso: Lewis Hamilton’s lifestyle sets him apart– VIDEO: F1 driver Lando Norris reacts to a fan’s ‘work of art’– “When money rules, Formula 1 can be ruthless”– VIDEO: Mercedes wants to use these onboard images against Max Verstappen
(F1journaal.be)
.