CROWN DUEL
Lewis Hamilton and arch-rival Max Verstappen have captivated the world of Formula One this season in a fierce battle that has kept the championship on a knife-edge. But with five races remaining, who will reign supreme come the finale in Abu Dhabi?
CIRCUITS
Verstappen will have the advantage this weekend in Mexico where Hamilton’s Mercedes traditionally struggles in the altitude at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
But with two unknown tracks on the calendar with Qatar and Saudi Arabia added to the line-up, the battle for the championship is finely poised to go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi.
Despite Verstappen winning in 2017 and 2018, Hamilton has some happy memories from Mexico City, winning twice – in 2016 and 2019 – as well as wrapping up two world championships.
Red Bull and Verstappen could have the edge in Brazil too – aside from 2015, he has always finished in the top five.
But Abu Dhabi, a place that Mercedes have dominated since the turbo-hybrid era started, on paper looks to swing towards Hamilton. by
EXPERIENCE
With seven titles to his name, a ruthless streak and an ability to get under the skin of his rivals, Hamilton holds the aces in this area over his rival, who is bidding for a maiden championship.
Verstappen is no rookie though. At 24, he is in his seventh season in F1 and has 136 races under his belt.
The Dutchman has proved he’s a force to be reckoned with against Hamilton, too, especially after a terrific victory to hold off a late fightback from the seven-time world champion at the United States Grand Prix.
It just served to prove how little there is between the duo with 12 points separating the pair.
But Hamilton’s been here before, it’s not his first rodeo, and at 36 he’s a multiple world champion.
Verstappen, though, is armed with the knowledge he has youth on his side and it’s clear he has the tools to become one of the greats of the sport.
THE EDGE
Engine concerns have plagued Mercedes for the past few races, with Valtteri Bottas now on his sixth engine change, while Hamilton was forced to take a new one in Turkey.
But Mexico City could prove a challenge for Mercedes.
At 2,200-metre altitude – by far the highest of the season – there will be a big effect on the performance of the cars and the fragility of the Mercedes power unit, or at least the engine, could have a big impact.
Verstappen holds a relatively small lead but with five races remaining a non-points finish or – worse – a DNF would be catastrophic for Mercedes or Red Bull.