Saturday, December 11th, 2021
Verstappen duel already a classic
“Hamilton’s killer instinct is impressive”
The most exciting Formula 1 season in a long time comes to an end on Sunday. Will Max Verstappen crown himself for the first time or will Lewis Hamilton become the sole record holder of the title? The duel is open to ex-racing driver Gerhard Berger – and already a classic in motorsport.
For the former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger, the World Cup duel between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton has long been a classic. “In all the years in which I have followed Formula 1, it is one of the toughest duels between the teams, the management and also between the drivers. So we will certainly talk about it for a long time,” said the 62-year-old Berger Season finale.
The DTM boss sees the competition on a level with the poison duel between the legends Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. “Yes, it happens on the same level,” answered Berger when asked. When it comes to having stronger nerves for the title, the Austrian is torn. “Until recently, I would have guessed Max, but Lewis is not to be underestimated. His athletic commitment and killer instinct are impressive. His nerves are – just like Max – exceptional,” said Berger.
Verstappen and Hamilton start the last race of the season on Sunday with the same number of points (2 p.m. / Sky and in the ntv.de live ticker) in Abu Dhabi. Berger thinks another crash of both rivals is possible. “I wouldn’t rule it out, but of course I hope for a fair result that was achieved on the track,” said Berger, who drove in Formula 1 from 1984 to 1997 and was third twice in the World Championship.
Verstappen could crown himself world champion for the first time. For Hamilton, on the other hand, it is already about his eighth world title – he would then be the sole record winner. Michael Schumacher also won seven titles, but he would not oust him as a Formula 1 idol, as Mercedes sports director Toto Wolff said. “Nobody will ever be bigger than Schumi. Michael has shaped a generation like no other, he is iconic,” the Austrian told the “Bild” newspaper. One cannot make comparisons across generations. “Lewis is the greatest of his generation,” said Wolff.