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'Verstappen has just cemented himself as favourite once more'

'Verstappen has just cemented himself as favourite once more'

26-10-2021 20:19 Last update: 22:33
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GPblog.com

Mercedes looked set to grab another world title with Lewis Hamilton after the Turkish Grand Prix, but after the United States GP, the world looks different. With Max Verstappen's victory, Red Bull Racing have a twelve-point lead over Hamilton, although according to Jolyon Palmer this says little about the championship battle.

The British racing driver was impressed by the way Verstappen handled his competitor in America. Although Hamilton overtook him at the start, the Dutchman managed to turn the situation around with lightning speed. "With a perfect drive, Verstappen has just cemented himself as favourite once more, and if he were to go on and win the title this year, a race like Austin might be looked back on as a champion's drive," Palmer stated on Formula One's official website.

However, the Formula One season still has five races to go, making it hard to predict which driver will ultimately take home the world title for the time being. "Even with the momentum though there is no let-up. With the championship as it has been this year, I’m sure there will be even more twists and turns before Abu Dhabi."

Chance of engine change Hamilton remains present

There seems to be a real chance that Hamilton will have to change his engine before the end of the season. That would mean the Briton would receive a grid penalty, which would be to Verstappen's advantage.