For the first time ever, Formula 1 enters the country of Qatar, and at a crucial part of the season, with just a few races to go. A championship could be certified on Sunday as Max Verstappen looks to even further distance himself from Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton picked up a crucial win last week in Brazil, but only gained a little ground on points leader Verstappen, as the Dutchmen nabbed second place ahead of Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas. The win gives the Brit his sixth top-spot of the season, and his first since coming out of Russia victorious four races prior.
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Now, Hamilton trails Verstappen by 14 points. While each win gives a driver 25 points, podium finishes hand out a good chuck of points, with second and third-place drivers winning 18 and 15 points respectively. Meaning, in order for Hamilton to win a record eighth F1 title, he will most likely have to win every single race, given that Verstappen has only fallen off the podium once in the last eight rounds.
If Verstappen were to win his 10th race of the season, it would not give the Dutchmen a clear path to the Championship, but it would certainly give him a bit of breathing room heading into the final two events of the season.
What: Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix - Formula 1
When: Sunday, November 21
Time: 8:55 am. ET
Where: Losail International Circuit (Doha, Qatar)
Channel: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
Stream: FuboTV (7-day free trial)