Lewis Hamilton v Max Verstappen: The story so far as Jeddah chaos sets up dramatic finale

Hamilton, Verstappen, Qatar, F1 — Photo: © LAT Images

Lewis Hamilton - Max Verstappen

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Hamilton v Verstappen: The story so far as Jeddah chaos sets up dramatic finale

GPFans looks at how the championship picture has changed throughout the year

GPFans Staff

Tuesday 7 December 2021 10:50

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Hungarian Grand Prix

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A race of missed opportunity for Mercedes and Hamilton as a strategic error meant only a podium was possible, despite Verstappen's struggles with damage from turn one carnage.

Drivers' championship standings

1. Hamilton - 195

2. Verstappen - 187

***

Belgian Grand Prix

The race that wasn't a race. Verstappen won after clinching pole, whilst Hamilton qualified third to take a podium. Half points were awarded when rain prevented meaningful running.

Drivers' championship standings

1. Hamilton - 202.5

2. Verstappen - 199.5

***

Dutch Grand Prix

Verstappen put on a show at his home race in Zandvoort to retake the championship lead. Hamilton finished second but was never able to match his rival's pace.

Drivers' championship standings

1. Verstappen - 224.5

2. Hamilton - 221.5

***

Italian Grand Prix

Two points came Verstappen's way in the sprint as Hamilton plummeted off the line, before the duo collided in dramatic fashion in the grand prix.

Drivers' championship standings

1. Verstappen - 226.5

2. Hamilton - 221.5

***

Russian Grand Prix

A gift for Hamilton as Norris slid out of his way as rain fell at the end in Russia, but Verstappen was able to clinch second despite starting at the back with an engine penalty.

Drivers' championship standings

1. Hamilton - 248.5

2. Verstappen - 242.5

***

Turkish Grand Prix

Neither driver was victorious with Verstappen finishing runner up to Bottas. Hamilton struggled to match Verstappen's damage limitation drive, settling for fifth following an ICE change of his own.

Drivers' championship standings

1. Verstappen - 262.5

2. Hamilton - 256.5

***

United States Grand Prix

A track Hamilton would have bet on being strong, Verstappen came out on top in one of the highest quality battles F1 has seen. Both drivers were at the top of their game, stalking one another until the end. It was the Dutchman who extended his points lead.

Drivers' championship standings

1. Verstappen - 287.5

2. Hamilton - 275.5

***

Mexican Grand Prix

A stellar move from Verstappen around the outside of both Mercedes' set up this dominant victory. Hamilton was able to take second but began to see the title slipping away.

Drivers' championship standings

1. Verstappen - 312.5

2. Lewis Hamilton - 293.5

***

Brazil Grand Prix

Two points for Verstappen in the sprint but a weekend to remember for Hamilton. A disqualification from qualifying and a five-place grid penalty after a charge through the field in sprint could not stop him, neither could a bold defence from Verstappen. Game on!

Drivers' championship standings

1. Verstappen - 332.5

2. Hamilton - 318.5

***

Qatar Grand Prix

Hamilton was in a class of one at Losail, with his life made easier by a grid penalty for Verstappen. The Red Bull fought back to second, but they came away with only eight points separating the two with two races remaining.

Drivers' championship standings

1. Verstappen - 351.5

2. Hamilton - 343.5

***

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Just when you thought the season couldn't get any more dramatic, everything you could possibly think of happening in an F1 race happened in Jeddah.

Two red flags, a robust defence from Verstappen that brought a penalty and three separate occasions where the Red Bull was forced to concede position to Hamilton.

The pair crashed under bizarre circumstances, with Verstappen again penalised, as Hamilton nursed damage to take victory and tie the championship up ahead of the final race.