Verstappen and Hamilton ‘might not finish’ tips former team-mate

This year’s title battle could end with contenders Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton crashing out of final the race in Abu Dhabi, according to the Red Bull driver’s former team-mate Pierre Gasly.

AlphaTauri driver Gasly, who raced alongside Verstappen for 12 races in 2019, tipped Verstappen to win the title but conceded the Dutch driver’s determination to do everything he can to secure it could see things end in fireworks.

Verstappen and Hamilton delivered some thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing at the last race in Saudi Arabia but they and also collided with each other as Verstappen appeared to ‘brake test’ his rival.

The pair head to this weekend’s decider level on points, but with Verstappen ahead on race count-back if the pair remain level, with the Dutch driver having won one more race, Gasly suggested that could make the difference.

“I am really excited to see what happens this weekend,” said Gasly. “I think Max will have the edge in the end. I’m not sure they are going to finish the race, but I think Red Bull and Max will get it.

“It’s amazing for our sport to have two drivers from two different teams fighting for the world championship in the last race and being tied after that many races. I think both of them have done an amazing season.”

A thrill to watch - Gasly

Gasly revealed he has become an avid armchair fan of F1 this season, tuning in to watch the highlights after every race because he has enjoyed the title battle between Verstappen and Hamilton so much.

He was blown away by the racing at the last race in Jeddah, and believes that the two title contenders' performances are good for the sport and can only help it become increasingly popular in future years.

“As a fan motorsport fan, I even enjoy watching the highlights after the race because we obviously don’t get to see what’s going on,” he said. “[Last] Sunday night, I just got back to the hotel and watched the highlights and was like ‘woah!

“It was a great race to watch in terms of the battles they gave us and how close it gets between the two and how far they are pushing the limits between each other. It is just an amazing time for the entire F1 community and our sport.”

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