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As we enter the final two rounds of the 2021 Formula 1 season, the battle for the world title continues as eight points split leader Max Verstappen and second-place Lewis Hamilton.
It was the Brit who managed to slim the gap down to single digits as roared to a dominant victory at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.
Hamilton, who qualified on pole position, simply had to defend well at turn one in order to cross the line first after Verstappen was handed a five-place grid penalty as he disobeyed double-waved yellow flags.
The Dutchman however did manage to secure a podium as he finished second with Fernando Alonso rounding out the rostrum last time out.
Formula 1 has a brand new track on the calendar following the first-ever Qatari Grand Prix as the Jeddah Street Circuit in Saudi Arabia enters the record books.
The track, which is 3.836 miles long, is the second-longest circuit and has been named the ‘fastest street circuit’ as F1 simulated cars have averaged speeds of around 160 mph.
It will be the first time that the sport enter the country of Saudi Arabia and it will be very interesting to see comes out on top as Verstappen could wrap up the championship if Hamilton has a torrid weekend.
Top 10 Predictions
1. Lewis Hamilton
The Brit will secure his third successive victory as he takes the championship battle down to the final race with the fastest lap of the race making the scores level at the top.
2. Max Verstappen
It will be a damage limitations race for Verstappen as the sheers straight-line speed and the nature of the circuit will play into Mercedes’ favour.
3. Valtteri Bottas
After a poor Qatar Grand Prix, Bottas will return to the rostrum once more with a third-place finish. The Finn won’t be too far away from Verstappen but will ultimately have to settle for P3.
4. Sergio Perez
Perez will endure a third successive fourth-place as he fails to help out his Red Bull teammate. The Mexican will push as hard as he can but will fall short of a podium.
5. Charles Leclerc
The Monegasque driver will solidify Ferrari’s third-place finish in the constructors’ championship and he will leapfrog Norris to claim fifth in the drivers’ standings.
6. Carlos Sainz
It will be another positive weekend for the Spaniard who looks set to give it his all in the 2022 season. He will secure a sixth-place finish after a superb overtake on Gasly with a few laps to go.
7. Pierre Gasly
The Frenchman has been pivotal for AlphaTauri in the last few years and seventh at Jeddah will close the gap to Alpine ever so slightly. It will be a tall order to crawl back the deficit but you can never count Gasly out as he is capable of providing so extraordinary moments.
8. Lando Norris
Norris has endured some very tough races since the summer break and a points finish will give him some confidence. A reset and a break might be needed for the young Brit as he attempts to bring back the glory days for McLaren.
9. Fernando Alonso
The experienced Alpine driver secured a fantastic podium last time out in Qatar but he will have to settle for a ninth-place finish at Jeddah after some late issues with his car.
10. Sebastian Vettel
Vettel inside the top 10 is a rare sight, however, the German will secure a point for Aston Martin as he looks to end his 2021 season with Aston Martin on a high.
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