Formula 1: Turkish Grand Prix extends remarkable streak

Seven consecutive Formula 1 races have seen no bigger than an eight-point gap between the two world championship protagonists.

Just before Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen made contact on the opening lap of the British Grand Prix, Verstappen was slated to be the Formula 1 world championship leader by 40 points.

The Red Bull driver entered Silverstone Circuit with a 32-point lead over the Mercedes driver after sweeping the races at the Red Bull Ring.

Verstappen extended that lead to 33 points by winning the first ever sprint qualifying races ahead of Hamilton in second place.

On the opening lap of the race, however, Verstappen found himself in the barriers. Hamilton was able to continue and overcame a 10-second penalty for avoidable contact to win and close the gap.

Since that contact in a race that will have been contested more than three months ago the next time the Formula 1 cars are on-track, the largest gap between the two title protagonists has been just eight points.

Both drivers have led by eight points during this span of seven races, with neither leading by more than that margin.

Take a look at the gaps after each of the last seven races.

After British Grand Prix

1. Max Verstappen – 185
2. Lewis Hamilton – 177 (-8)

After Hungarian Grand Prix

1. Lewis Hamilton – 195
2. Max Verstappen – 187 (-8)

After Belgian Grand Prix

1. Lewis Hamilton – 202.5
2. Max Verstappen – 199.5 (-3)

After Dutch Grand Prix

1. Max Verstappen – 224.5
2. Lewis Hamilton – 221.5 (-3)

After Italian Grand Prix

1. Max Verstappen – 226.5
2. Lewis Hamilton – 221.5 (-5)

After Russian Grand Prix

1. Lewis Hamilton – 246.5
2. Max Verstappen – 244.5 (-2)

After Turkish Grand Prix

1. Max Verstappen – 262.5
2. Lewis Hamilton – 256.5 (-6)

The average gap between the two drivers during this seven-race span is just five points. With six races remaining on the 2021 schedule, Verstappen has a six-point advantage, which is his largest lead at any point over the last six races.

Take a look at how these two drivers stack up as far as betting odds to win this year’s world championship are concerned, courtesy of WynnBET.

• Max Verstappen: -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
• Lewis Hamilton: +125 (bet $100 to win $125)

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The next race on the schedule is the United States Grand Prix, which is set to be broadcast live on ESPN from Circuit of the Americas beginning at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 24. This race is the 17th of 22 races on this year’s schedule. Be sure to start your free trial of FuboTV today if you have not already done so!