What is the current World Cup status?
With six races to go, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen (24) is at the top of the ranking. The lead, however, is very thin: The Dutchman has 262.5 points, Lewis Hamilton (36) has 256.5 points. At this distance, the championship leadership can switch from race to race.
What is the race balance between the two of them?
Even in the record of the season victories, Verstappen is ahead of the seven-time world champion. While Hamilton was able to triumph five times in the Mercedes car, Max, son of the former racing driver Jos Verstappen (49), was the first to cross the finish line seven times.
A not inconsiderable fact. If after the last race both drivers have the same number of points in their account, the number of wins decides who receives the World Cup trophy. And should both have the same number of wins, the number of second places would determine the title. There the balance is currently balanced, both are at five.
Verstappen was in the lead over 300 laps more
Another statistic that speaks for the young Dutchman is the number of leadership laps. According to “ESPN”, the 24-year-old led a total of 469 laps. Hamilton, on the other hand, was only in the lead for 133 laps. Of course, the most important thing is to be in the lead on the last lap. But the balance sheet shows how the balance of power has looked so far.
Who has more fastest laps?
In such a close duel, every point can decide. Among other things, the one that is available for the fastest lap. Both drivers were able to claim the fastest lap four times each. However, Verstappen did not make it into the top ten in Baku, which is why he was not awarded an extra point. So that’s 4: 3 in favor of the British.
Who is more popular with the fans?
Admittedly, an anecdote that will not contribute much to the outcome of the World Championship race. Nevertheless, it is exciting to see who will be better received by the fans. For this purpose, Formula 1 carried out a survey in collaboration with Nielsen Sports and Motorsport Network, the results of which are to be published as part of the Grand Prix in Austin.
As «Sportsmail» is said to have already learned from an insider, Max Verstappen is also in first place there. Lewis Hamilton does not follow in second place, but “only” in third place. Between them lies McLaren driver Lando Norris (21).
What significance would the world championship title have?
In almost all balance sheets, the Dutchman is ahead of his opponent Hamilton. And it doesn’t matter which of the two wins the title – it would mean a lot for both of them. For Hamilton it would be the eighth title, making him the sole record holder ahead of Michael Schumacher (7). If Verstappen is on top at the end, he will celebrate his first world title. He would also be the first Dutchman to achieve this feat.
One thing is certain: both are forced to deliver in the remaining races. If both fail to make a mistake, there will be a final on December 12th in Abu Dhabi.