Lewis Hamilton’s heroics on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix narrowed Max Verstappen’s title result in 14 factors with three races to go.

Verstappen nonetheless has the benefit, however it’s tantalisingly shut heading into the ultimate two races.

The run-in appears as follows:

Nov. 21: Qatar Grand Prix
Dec. 5: Saudi Arabia Grand Prix
Dec. 12: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

1 Associated

F1’s championship factors are handed out as such: first, 25 factors; second,18 factors; third, 15 factors; fourth, 12 factors; fifth, 10 factors; sixth, 8 factors; seventh, 6 factors; eighth, 4 factors; ninth, 2 factors; tenth, 1 level.

There’s additionally an additional level to think about at every occasion, with the driving force who scores the quickest lap gaining a bonus level, offered in addition they end within the high ten.

Including to the unpredictability of this season is that the subsequent two venues are model new additions to the F1 calendar.

Qatar and Saudi add a component of the unknown to the Verstappen-Hamilton contest, whereas Abu Dhabi has additionally made tweaks to the Yas Marina circuit to extend overtaking alternatives across the circuit.

The margin of Verstappen’s lead means the championship isn’t but out of Hamilton’s arms. He shall be champion if he wins the remaining three occasions.

Had been Verstappen to win or end forward of Hamilton in Qatar, extending his 14-point lead, he would go to the Saudi Grand Prix with an opportunity of wrapping up the championship on the penultimate race. Nevertheless, with F1’s factors system offering factors all the way down to tenth place, there may be the potential for all kinds of permutations over the approaching three races.

The quickest lap bonus level will present an enchanting underlying storyline to the championship struggle. And given how shut the championship battle is, it might genuinely be decisive at one of many rounds. On the final two races we’ve got seen the teammates of the title rivals, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, pitting late within the race for smooth tyres to deprive the rival group of the purpose.

Verstappen and Hamilton have completed first and second collectively in a single order or the opposite at 10 of the 19 races this 12 months, together with the final three races. Meaning factors swings of seven factors (or eight with the quickest lap) have been the most typical between the 2 drivers and, primarily based on present kind and with no reliability points, that may very well be the case on the subsequent three rounds.

Nevertheless, if both Bottas or Perez can break into the highest two behind their teammate, they’ve the potential to trigger a ten-point swing (11 with quickest lap) between Verstappen and Hamilton, which may very well be decisive at this stage of the 12 months.

Added to that’s a good smaller hole between Pink Bull and Mercedes within the constructors’ championship. Simply 11 factors separate the 2 groups, with the potential for bigger swings in factors on the remaining races resulting from each automobiles scoring factors. Whereas the constructors’ title has much less media focus, the order decides the division of prize cash for the next 12 months and is linked to the bonuses of group members.