F1 LIVE as Lewis Hamilton tipped to beat Max Verstappen and has ‘strong momentum’ for Saudi Arabia

It’s the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend as the Formula 1 season reaches its exciting climax in the penultimate race in the calendar, with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battling it out in Jeddah for the Drivers’ Championship - and you can follow all the latest news and updates from around the world. The Belgian-Dutch driver has an eight point advantage, while Mercedes are just five points ahead of Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, which is also fascinating as Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez play crucial roles as the No 2 drivers for both teams. And while this Sunday will be pivotal, the drama could stretch to Abu Dhabi in the final weekend.

The long straights of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit are expected to favour Mercedes and they will be trying to plot a one-two finish. But if Hamilton was to win and collect the bonus point for fastest lap, with Verstappen finishing second, it would create the extraordinary scenario of both drivers having 269.5 points going into the final Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit.

Wolff and his Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner have been involved in back-and-forth encounters too, drawing amusement from some and disdain from others, as the fight goes on for the constructor championship as well as the drivers’ title. Elsewhere outside the big two, Fernando Alonso’s podium finish, the changing team line-ups for next year and even the additions of rules such as sprint qualifying have all been big talking points in Formula One recently.

Here’s all the latest F1 news and reaction as the build-up to Saudi Arabia continues:

Read More

F1 title race: When and where will Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen battle be decided?

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Lewis Hamilton explains why he won’t be testing Mercedes’ 2022 F1 car any time soon

F1 news | Saudi Arabian Grand Prix build-up

• Lewis Hamilton looks to close Max Verstappen’s eight-point gap on Sunday in Jeddah

• Sebastian Vettel no longer among top five F1 drivers, claims Martin Brundle

• Lewis Hamilton backed to defeat Max Verstappen by former rival Nico Rosberg

• Spanish Grand Prix lands new deal to extend F1 relationship to 35 years

• What does Max Verstappen need to do to win the F1 title this weekend?

Lando Norris expects Daniel Ricciardo bounce back when things click at McLaren F1

16:20 , Jack Rathborn

Lando Norris is not taking his impressive year for granted after outperforming Daniel Ricciardo.

He currently has153 points compared to the Australian’s 105, but expects a tougher battle next season.

“I think it’s been very good for me. It’s also been one of the parts making me enjoy a bit more the environment,” Norris said (h/t motorsport.com). “There’s always that question of when you go up against a driver like that: are you going to do well? Is he going to beat me in every single qualifying or race of the season?

“Those thoughts go through your head a little bit for the year. So when none of that happens then you feel like ‘okay, if I can do this against him and he could beat this guy when he was in the same car, then I must be in a decent place.’ So it makes you think of good things.

“But then, on the flip side, it doesn’t make me feel like I’m suddenly the best driver in the world. There have still been some races where he has been quicker than me and qualifying sessions where he has been a bit quicker.

“I know he’s still Daniel. Once he clicks and finds his way and so on, I hope to still be quicker than him. But I know it’s not going to be like, I’m always quicker because he’s a very, very good driver.

“But my confidence has definitely come up with how I feel like I’ve performed. And it’s not necessarily all because I’ve beaten Daniel.”

Charles Leclerc highlights dangerous precedent from Max Verstappen defensive move in Brazil

16:00 , Jack Rathborn

“You always need to adapt to every situation, every decision the stewards are doing,” Charles Leclerc said.

“As soon as I knew it wasn’t a penalty for Max in Austria [in 2019], I went to Silverstone and I changed my driving.

“So I think that’s a bit the same for every driver. We will always try to race at the limits of what we are allowed to do. And that’s what I will do in case these things are allowed.”

Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton: Tale of the Tape

15:45 , Jack Rathborn

As we approach the final two races of the season, here’s a look at Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s key stats in what has been a thrilling title race.

The Red Bull star has the edge on wins, 9-7, and one more podium, which has come as a result of five more poles. Hamilton's timing has been exquisite though, trailing only by eight points with two races remaining, despite leading for 392 less laps.

Sebastian Vettel claims any argument with Kimi Raikkonen means ‘the problem is you'

15:30 , Jack Rathborn

“Will he be missed? Yes,” said Vettel, quoted by GPFans. “I think he was a true character and I enjoyed the time I had with him as a team-mate, but to be fair I got to know him already before.

“He is probably one of the very few drivers I’ve met from day one until the present day that hasn’t changed in the sense that he has been very open, welcoming me as a young child or a young kid when I entered Formula 1.

“And at that time he was probably the most established Formula 1 driver, at least one of them.

“Great respect. I don’t think you can have an argument or a problem with Kimi. If you do, the problem is not him, the problem is you.”

Mick Schumacher’s surname is a ‘burden’ in F1 career, Felipe Massa claims

15:15 , Jack Rathborn

Felipe Massa believes Mick Schumacher’s surname is a “burden” for the young driver.

Mick is the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, and has began his own Formula 1 journey with US team Haas. The team have struggled with performance and reliability all season, and have failed to pick up a single championship point.

Schumacher has not come under great scrutiny, partly due to the poor quality of his car and partly due to the erratic driving of his teammate, Nikita Mazepin.

“In general, the name Schumacher is a burden for Mick,” Massa told Die Welt. “It helps him to get sponsors and he gets a lot of support. But people expect things he can never fulfil. The pressure is extremely high.”

Mick Schumacher’s surname is a ‘burden’ in F1 career, Felipe Massa claims

AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly excited for future after ‘getting a taste’ for front row grid slots

15:09 , Jack Rathborn

Pierre Gasly insists he has “got a taste” for front row grid slots after experiencing it for the first time since 2017 in Qatar.

The AlphaTauri driver admits it is “now more complicated” to secure P5 in the standings after dropping 25 points behind Alpine.

But he is now excited by the future: “It was great to be back in the front row. It was the first time since I competed in Super Formula in Japan in 2017.

“To be on the grid alongside pole setter Lewis Hamilton was very cool. I hope that there will be more successes of this kind in the future.

“Even if I didn’t manage to do it entirely on my own, we’ve been close to the first places on the grid a couple of times this year, and it was a good experience. I got a taste for it.”

Spanish Grand Prix lands new deal to extend F1 relationship to 35 years

15:00 , Jack Rathborn

The Spanish Grand Prix’s future has been decided after recent speculation with a new long-term deal for the track in Barcelona. The Circuit de Catalunya continues to be the home of the Spanish GP since 1991 and the new deal takes them up until 2026 at least.

Under the fresh terms, the track must be upgraded ahead of next year’s race in May. “We are delighted to announce this deal with Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya,” said F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“I want to thank to promoter and the authorities for their enthusiasm and commitment to keeping Formula 1 in Barcelona, with improvements that will be made to the track and facilities, and continuing our long history together.

“The teams and drivers always look forward to racing at the circuit and visiting Barcelona, and the Spanish fans will continue to see their national heroes, Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz up close.”

Toto Wolff makes bold statement about Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes ahead of Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

14:45 , Jack Rathborn

Toto Wolff claims Lewis Hamilton‘s Mercedes is in “the best place it has been all season” as a thrilling Formula One title race heads to Saudi Arabia this weekend.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton trails Red Bull rival Max Verstappen by eight points with just rounds of an enthralling see-saw battle to go.

The high-speed street circuit in Jeddah is expected to favour Hamilton’s machine over the race weekend with Wolff bullish about where the team are at in their preparations.

“The car has been performing well recently and is probably in the best place it has been all season, with the drivers confident to push it to the limit. That’s encouraging for the final races and gives us strong momentum to take forward,” he said.

Toto Wolff makes bold statement about Lewis Hamilton’s car ahead of Saudi Arabian GP

Nico Rosberg admits satisfaction at Lewis Hamilton success

14:30 , Jack Rathborn

Nico Rosberg admits he “very often” reflects on his intense 2016 title battle with Lewis Hamilton, with his sense of achievement greater in hindsight due to the Briton’s subsequent success.

And with the Mercedes star poised to hunt down Max Verstappen and claim an eighth world title, Rosberg’s success may look even better.

“Every time I see Lewis win, it becomes clearer why it wasn’t quite so easy for me to beat him,” Rosberg said.

Hamilton is aiming for a fifth successive title and a seventh in eight years, making Rosberg’s achievement to edge out the Briton even more impressive.

First Saudi female racer appointed ambassador for F1 GP

14:21 , Jack Rathborn

Saudi Arabia’s first female racing driver Reema Juffali has been appointed an ambassador for the country’s inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah this week, organisers said on Monday.

The 29-year-old, who competed in the British Formula Three championship this year, will be one of the first to drive a lap of the street circuit along the shores of the Red Sea.

She will also take part in a track shakedown of a 1979 Williams Formula One car, which carried sponsorship for national airline Saudia.

“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the activities over the race weekend and I hope that my story and journey can provide some inspiration to anyone thinking of following their dream,” she said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on women driving in 2018 and Juffali became the first Saudi female license holder to compete in a series that same year.

Sunday’s Formula One race will be the third of four in the Middle East this season and could also be a title decider.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads Mercedes’ seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton by eight points ahead of the penultimate round.

Sebastian Vettel ‘no longer among top five F1 drivers'

14:11 , Jack Rathborn

‘’If you had to nominate a top five of the current field, I wouldn’t put Seb there. He’s had his best time. Maybe you write down (besides Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen) Lando (Norris) and Charles Leclerc, but maybe also George (Russell), Sergio (Perez), Carlos Sainz or Fernando (Alonso).

“Fernando should definitely be on that list,’’ Martin Brundle told Sky Sports.

“No matter how you look at it, Seb is not one of them. He still has the experience and knowledge to be of great value to Aston Martin, but sometimes he just lacks something in wheel-to-wheel racing. That’s always been the case, but it’s got worse in recent years.”

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix street circuit is ‘insane’, says Red Bull principal Christian Horner

14:03 , Jack Rathborn

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah street circuit looks “insane” and will set the stage for “excitement and drama” as the F1 title race enters its final two races.

This weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is the country’s first foray into F1 and will be the penultimate race of a thrilling season, before the culmination in Abu Dhabi a week later.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton by eight points in the standings going into the final two races, but the long straights of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit are expected to play into the hands of Mercedes and their reigning champion, searching for a record eighth world title.

Saudi Arabian street circuit is ‘insane’, says Red Bull boss Christian Horner

Lewis Hamilton backed to defeat Max Verstappen by former rival Nico Rosberg

13:55 , Jack Rathborn

Speaking to SPORTBUZZER, Rosberg said: “It’s a sensationally close fight! Emotionally, I say Lewis. His experience speaks for him. But the championship is totally open.”

“Max is really super-strong. Mental strength is essential in a duel like this.

“It’s certainly not easy for Max because it’s the first time he’s been in such a situation. And then against the most successful Formula 1 driver of all time. In that respect, he already deserves the greatest recognition.

“You have to take advantage when Lewis has his weak phases, when he loses his motivation, his head,” Rosberg explained.

“Then it’s full attack! In other words, you have to score the maximum number of points possible because you should never write Lewis off. He always comes back.”

Nico Rosberg backs former rival Lewis Hamilton for F1 world title

What does Max Verstappen need to do to win the F1 title this weekend?

13:47 , Jack Rathborn

Max Verstappen has the chance to win his maiden Formula One drivers’ title in Saudi Arabia this weekend.

While Lewis Hamilton’s back-to-back race wins mean the battle is likely to go down to next week’s finale in Abu Dhabi there are certain scenarios in which the Dutchman could put his rival out of reach with a race to spare.

Here, we run through the permutations.

What does Max Verstappen need to do to win the F1 title this weekend?

Lewis Hamilton ‘shifting into overdrive’ in F1 title battle

13:33 , Jack Rathborn

“It’s almost like he’s shifted into overdrive. He always did that after the summer break and then people just didn’t understand how it was possible that he kept grabbing the Mercedes titles. I think he’s done the same now, maybe a bit later than usual, but Mercedes have also shifted up a gear,’’ said Brundle according to Motorsport.com.

‘’Suddenly you wonder if he’s not the favourite for the championship, especially with this momentum right now. But all it takes is one misstep, one bit of unreliability, contact, a puncture or something and Max could decide it this weekend. It probably won’t happen, but it could.

“The balance is just beautiful. Red Bull will probably hope it goes back and forth a bit like the rest of the season’’, concludes the former F1 driver.”

McLaren’s Lando Norris moving from England to Monaco

13:22 , Jack Rathborn

McLaren’s Lando Norris has announced he is moving from England to Monaco, with financial reasons playing a part in his decision.

The 22-year-old Briton has had a standout season with his Woking-based team and signed a multi-year contract extension in May.

“It’s something that obviously a lot of drivers do,” he told British media of the move. “Especially, with how racing is, we’ve seen for other drivers how quickly things can also go downhill.

“I still have to look after my life and things for my future.”

Monaco is a home to many of his Formula One rivals, including compatriot and seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton as well as Australian McLaren team mate Daniel Ricciardo.

Hamilton has been criticised for his tax arrangements and Norris, already a fan favourite, expected also to face some negative reaction.

“But people do many things in life for money. This is just another one,” he said.

Max Verstappen has been unlucky and should already be champion, claims Ralf Schumacher

13:12 , Jack Rathborn

“Innocently bowled off the track at Silverstone, innocent victim of the collision at the start in Hungary, plus the blowout in Baku,” Ralf Schumacher explained to Speedweek.com.

“Max has been really unlucky, he should have been world champion a long time ago.

“Max can say to himself in defeat: ‘Well, we were close, it didn’t work out, but I still have enough time for new attempts’. So from my point of view, the pressure will be more on Lewis.”

Red Bull principal Christian Horner lauds Max Verstappen ‘maturity’

12:10 , Jack Rathborn

‘‘Make no mistake, fighting for your first F1 title is an intense moment in your racing career, but the maturity Max has shown throughout the campaign has been extremely impressive,’’ Christian Horner says in his Red Bull column.

‘’He’s relaxed and dealing with the pressure incredibly well, I think he is driving better than ever. A good example of this was during the race in Qatar, when he did not feel we could catch Lewis, but commented over the that radio he ‘wanted to have some fun’.

“Max is plain-speaking and he calls it how he sees it. He doesn’t work with a sports psychologist; it is just how he copes with it.”

Max Verstappen could follow Lewis Hamilton and change engine in Abu Dhabi

11:45 , Jack Rathborn

‘An engine change is currently not planned for Saudi Arabia. If there will be an engine change, it will be in Abu Dhabi,” Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko told F1-insider.com.

That would be incredible drama for the finale in Abu Dhabi, given the incurred five-place grid penalty.

It could serve as a distraction to Mercedes, though it would also complicate Max Verstappen’s race strategy.

But Red Bull will explore every possibility, including Honda assisting with a fresh engine to seal the title.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen duel likened to Senna vs Prost

11:36 , Jack Rathborn

“This battle is brilliant for Formula 1,” former F1 driver Anthony Davidson told Sky Sports, discussing the similarities between this rivalry and the iconic battles between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

Those battles defined F1 in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with iconic seasons in 1989 and 1990 eventually decided by chaotic penultimate-round collisions in Japan.

“For anyone who missed out on being too young in the Senna and Prost era, this is it. This is what you missed out on.

“It’s happening right again, history repeating itself.”

Valtteri Bottas and George Russell open up after ‘surprise’ at late punctures at Qatar Grand Prix

10:59 , Jack Rathborn

The Qatar Grand Prix delivered late drama with three punctures in the inaugural race, which prompted each driver to admit they were surprised as they had “no warning”.

Valtteri Bottas, who was denied a probable podium chance, said: “It was without any vibration before without any loss of grip, so it was quite strange.”

“We knew we were pushing it to the limit, but there was no vibration and we felt comfortable. That was the best opportunity for us to get to the podium and I think if we stopped one or two laps later we would have got it.”

While Toto Wolff added: “Valtteri’s puncture came out of nowhere. We tried to reconstruct it, and there was literally no indication... just a tiny vibration, never enough to pit a car.”

The Williams suffered badly with both George Russell and Nicholas Latifi going down on back-to-back laps.

“It’s something that the team spoke about prior to the race, that from within the car it might feel fine but it could just go at any point,” said Russell. “It was a bit of a surprise, but we were never really in the fight for anything meaningful.”

While Latifi added: “To be honest there was no warning, and that was the confusing part for me.

“A year ago in Silverstone you start to feel a massive vibration, but here - it was obviously a consideration - but once George’s tyre went I was like OK I feel fine, I don’t feel limited from that tyre. Then it went a lap later!”

Ferrari junior Robert Shwartzman handed F1 test with Haas

10:21 , Jack Rathborn

Ferrari junior and Formula 2 frontrunner Robert Shwartzman has been confirmed to test Haas after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Shwartzman will feature as part of the young driver test on Tuesday, 14 December for a two-day post-season tyre test.

It will be more experience for Shwartzman who got behind the wheel of the Ferrari this year.

“This will be my first test with Haas F1 Team and I’m really looking forward to getting to know a new team, environment and also to learn as much as possible from them,” he said.

“Having the chance to drive for another F1 team is just incredible and I can’t wait to work with everyone.”

While Shwartzman will look forward to collaborating with Haas, his immediate priority is F2, where he is third in the standings with two races left.

“We’re looking forward to testing with Robert at Yas Marina in December,” added Haas team principal Guenther Steiner.

“He’s obviously highly rated by Ferrari – having been part of their driver program since the end of 2017.

“His ability is clearly in evidence when you look at his performances over the last few seasons – most notably his rookie campaign in Formula 2 last year – competing against the likes of our own two drivers Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin.

“We are pleased to be able to give Robert an outing in a Formula 1 car and we look forward to working with him in Abu Dhabi.”

Mick Schumacher’s surname is a ‘burden’ in F1 career, Felipe Massa claims

10:09 , Jack Rathborn

Felipe Massa believes Mick Schumacher’s surname is a “burden” for the young driver.

Mick is the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, and has began his own Formula 1 journey with US team Haas. The team have struggled with performance and reliability all season, and have failed to pick up a single championship point.

Schumacher has not come under great scrutiny, partly due to the poor quality of his car and partly due to the erratic driving of his teammate, Nikita Mazepin.

“In general, the name Schumacher is a burden for Mick,” Massa told Die Welt. “It helps him to get sponsors and he gets a lot of support. But people expect things he can never fulfil. The pressure is extremely high.

Mick Schumacher’s surname is a ‘burden’ in F1 career, Felipe Massa claims

Spanish Grand Prix lands new deal to extend F1 relationship to 35 years

09:59 , Jack Rathborn

The Spanish Grand Prix’s future has been decided after recent speculation with a new long-term deal for the track in Barcelona.

The Circuit de Catalunya continues to be the home of the Spanish GP since 1991 and the new deal takes them up until 2026 at least.

Under the fresh terms, the track must be upgraded ahead of next year’s race in May.

“We are delighted to announce this deal with Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya,” said F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“I want to thank to promoter and the authorities for their enthusiasm and commitment to keeping Formula 1 in Barcelona, with improvements that will be made to the track and facilities, and continuing our long history together.

“The teams and drivers always look forward to racing at the circuit and visiting Barcelona, and the Spanish fans will continue to see their national heroes, Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz up close.”

Alpine F1 Team’s Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon attend Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris

09:52 , Jack Rathborn

Toto Wolff makes bold statement about Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes ahead of Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

09:42 , Jack Rathborn

Toto Wolff claims Lewis Hamilton‘s Mercedes is in “the best place it has been all season” as a thrilling Formula One title race heads to Saudi Arabia this weekend.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton trails Red Bull rival Max Verstappen by eight points with just rounds of an enthralling see-saw battle to go.

The high-speed street circuit in Jeddah is expected to favour Hamilton’s machine over the race weekend with Wolff bullish about where the team are at in their preparations.

“The car has been performing well recently and is probably in the best place it has been all season, with the drivers confident to push it to the limit. That’s encouraging for the final races and gives us strong momentum to take forward,” he said.

Toto Wolff makes bold statement about Lewis Hamilton’s car ahead of Saudi Arabian GP

Nico Rosberg admits satisfaction at Lewis Hamilton success

09:08 , Jack Rathborn

Nico Rosberg admits he “very often” reflects on his intense 2016 title battle with Lewis Hamilton, with his sense of achievement greater in hindsight due to the Briton’s subsequent success.

And with the Mercedes star poised to hunt down Max Verstappen and claim an eighth world title, Rosberg’s success may look even better.

“Every time I see Lewis win, it becomes clearer why it wasn’t quite so easy for me to beat him,” Rosberg said.

Hamilton is aiming for a fifth successive title and a seventh in eight years, making Rosberg’s achievement to edge out the Briton even more impressive.

First Saudi female racer appointed ambassador for F1 GP

08:50 , Jack Rathborn

Saudi Arabia’s first female racing driver Reema Juffali has been appointed an ambassador for the country’s inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah this week, organisers said on Monday.

The 29-year-old, who competed in the British Formula Three championship this year, will be one of the first to drive a lap of the street circuit along the shores of the Red Sea.

She will also take part in a track shakedown of a 1979 Williams Formula One car, which carried sponsorship for national airline Saudia.

“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the activities over the race weekend and I hope that my story and journey can provide some inspiration to anyone thinking of following their dream,” she said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on women driving in 2018 and Juffali became the first Saudi female license holder to compete in a series that same year.

Sunday’s Formula One race will be the third of four in the Middle East this season and could also be a title decider.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads Mercedes’ seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton by eight points ahead of the penultimate round.

McLaren’s Lando Norris moving from England to Monaco

08:36 , Jack Rathborn

F1 driver Lando Norris has revealed he will move to Monaco at the end of the season, saying: “People do many things in life for money – this is just another one.”

The 22-year-old British driver has enjoyed a stellar season with McLaren and is currently fifth in the standings with two races to go – the best of the rest after Red Bull and Mercedes. Norris extended his McLaren contract earlier this year, and says now is the right moment to move from his current base near the team factory in Woking to the tax haven of Monte Carlo.

“It’s something that obviously a lot of drivers go to do and especially, with how racing is, I think we’ve seen for other drivers how quickly things can also go downhill and so on,” said Norris. “I have to look after my things for my future.

Lewis Hamilton ‘shifting into overdrive’ in F1 title battle

08:25 , Jack Rathborn

“It’s almost like he’s shifted into overdrive. He always did that after the summer break and then people just didn’t understand how it was possible that he kept grabbing the Mercedes titles. I think he’s done the same now, maybe a bit later than usual, but Mercedes have also shifted up a gear,’’ said Brundle according to Motorsport.com.

‘’Suddenly you wonder if he’s not the favourite for the championship, especially with this momentum right now. But all it takes is one misstep, one bit of unreliability, contact, a puncture or something and Max could decide it this weekend. It probably won’t happen, but it could.

“The balance is just beautiful. Red Bull will probably hope it goes back and forth a bit like the rest of the season’’, concludes the former F1 driver.”

Lewis Hamilton backed to defeat Max Verstappen by former rival Nico Rosberg

07:50 , Jack Rathborn

Speaking to SPORTBUZZER, Rosberg said: “It’s a sensationally close fight! Emotionally, I say Lewis. His experience speaks for him. But the championship is totally open.”

“Max is really super-strong. Mental strength is essential in a duel like this.

“It’s certainly not easy for Max because it’s the first time he’s been in such a situation. And then against the most successful Formula 1 driver of all time. In that respect, he already deserves the greatest recognition.

“You have to take advantage when Lewis has his weak phases, when he loses his motivation, his head,” Rosberg explained.

“Then it’s full attack! In other words, you have to score the maximum number of points possible because you should never write Lewis off. He always comes back.”

Sebastian Vettel ‘no longer among top five F1 drivers'

07:46 , Jack Rathborn

‘’If you had to nominate a top five of the current field, I wouldn’t put Seb there. He’s had his best time. Maybe you write down (besides Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen) Lando (Norris) and Charles Leclerc, but maybe also George (Russell), Sergio (Perez), Carlos Sainz or Fernando (Alonso).

“Fernando should definitely be on that list,’’ Martin Brundle told Sky Sports.

“No matter how you look at it, Seb is not one of them. He still has the experience and knowledge to be of great value to Aston Martin, but sometimes he just lacks something in wheel-to-wheel racing. That’s always been the case, but it’s got worse in recent years.”