F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview: Hamilton and Verstappen take it to the wire

It all comes down to this. The season finale at Abu Dhabi.

No one could have predicted that the world championship would have played out as it has over the past few months. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have been practically inseparable for the majority of the season and that’s echoed by the fact they enter the final round equal on points (369.5). This will be the first time two drivers have entered the final race of the season equal on points since 1974.

So who will lift the title at the end of the weekend? Will Hamilton break the record and become an eight-time world champion? Or will Verstappen win his maiden Formula One title?

We take a look at who has the edge heading into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hamilton aiming for his eighth world championship

Such a fierce, competitive title fight isn’t something new for Hamilton. His ferocious battle with Verstappen looks very similar to his duels against former team-mate Nico Rosberg. He’s dealt with the immense pressure this season like a seven-time world champion, winning the last three races to ensure he goes into this weekend level on points with his rival.

Despite Verstappen technically leading the championship due to his number of wins this season, Hamilton may have the upper hand. Mercedes have been historically dominant at Yas Marina, with the Silver Arrows winning every race at the circuit between 2014 and 2019, and scoring 1-2 finishes in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The 2020 edition of the race was the only Grand Prix here within the V6 Hybrid era that they haven’t won – a few stats that may scare Red Bull fans.

Hamilton is also the most successful driver around the track, finishing on the top step of the podium five times previously. The only other driver to have won at the track multiple times is Sebastian Vettel (3).

With so much swinging in Mercedes’ favour here in the past, it’s no surprise to see that Hamilton is both favourite for the race (8/15) and to win the World Championship (4/9).

Verstappen to win back-to-back Abu Dhabi Grand Prixs?

The title will be decided this weekend and Verstappen currently leads the way due to his greater number of race victories this season. It would be an incredible achievement for the Dutchman to win his maiden Formula One title, but it could be marred by controversy due to his ‘elbows-out’ approach taken in recent weeks. Verstappen plays it close to the line on the best of occasions, but many pundits and fans alike called out his Saudi Arabian Grand Prix antics.

He’ll need a clear head going into this title decider and his chances will be boosted by the fact that he and his team took victory here in 2020. The Red Bull outfit have won here four times previously and a fifth win in the hands of Verstappen will see their driver crowned champion.

Despite recent success, the market suggests that Verstappen is on the back foot, priced at 15/8 to win the race. That also means he’s second favourite for the title (13/8), so he may need to pull off something spectacular.

Whatever happens this weekend, it’s been one of the most memorable F1 seasons in a long time and bodes well for the new era coming into effect as of next year.

Check out all the latest Formula 1 betting odds at William Hill