Friday 10th December 2021
Update
Training before the big F1 showdown
Hamilton lets Verstappen flash off first
While their team bosses demonstratively shake hands, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton get ready for the grand finale of Formula 1. The Mercedes driver is faster in training for the last race of the season, but the world championship leader from the Netherlands is strong in the racing simulation.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen put aside any thought of a crash in the World Cup decision, their bosses publicly make peace after months of clinch: The main characters of this spectacular Formula 1 season do not want to stand in the way of a worthy showdown, so the message. The titles should be awarded in a sporting manner. As of today, the advantages are with Hamilton and Mercedes.
The record world champion from England ensured the clear best time of the day in training. In Abu Dhabi, Hamilton relegated French Esteban Ocon (Alpine / + 0.343 seconds) and his Finnish team-mate Valtteri Bottas (+0.392) to their places in 1: 23.691 minutes. World Championship leader Verstappen (Netherlands) was only fourth in the Red Bull, 0.641 seconds behind. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) positioned himself at the place of his first title win eleven years ago with 1.504 seconds on Hamilton in 14th place. Mick Schumacher took 19th place in the Haas (+2.093).
“We’re still trying to understand a few things. It’s not quite going according to plan yet,” said Verstappen. Hamilton spoke of a “very good day”. Things are tight, but “after a few changes it went better and better. I feel good. We’ll come back even stronger tomorrow.”
On the Yas Marina Circuit, which has become smoother thanks to renovation work in two previously winding sections of the route, the teams spent a long time working on the vehicle set-up. In the second free practice session after dark, Verstappen only attempted a fast lap, but he looked very strong in the racing simulations.
“Unnecessary remark, a threatening gesture”
Verstappen and Hamilton go into the season finale with equal points (369.5 each). However, the Dutchman leads the drivers’ standings because of the more wins he achieved (9: 8). That’s why he would be world champion if both of them in the race on Sunday (2 p.m. / Sky and in the live ticker at ntv.de.) remain without points – which led to speculation in advance about a possible crash. Even race director Michael Masi felt obliged to point out sanctions such as point deductions and bans, should it come to unsportsmanlike conduct.
“That is an unnecessary remark, a threatening gesture. The regulations are known,” said Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko at Sky: “I told Max: Don’t surf the Internet. Concentrate on your performance. He becomes a bad boy It’s not easy for a 24-year-old when he’s constantly being attacked. “
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said at the press conference: “It’s good that Michael and the FIA came out and pointed out the rules. Maybe a good deterrent.” Before that, he shook hands with his Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner and said: “May the best driver and the best team win.” In the constructors’ championship, Mercedes is facing the eighth title in a row. The lead over Red Bull is 28 points, with a maximum of 44 points left. “If we win this title, it would be the greatest for us as a team that we have won,” said Hamilton.