Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen: the key numbers ahead of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP

Whatever happens at the end of the Formula 1 world championship battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, we can all agree that it’s been one wonderful battle to witness.

The legend vs the future legend. The upstart vs. F1’s most established and recognised name. The present vs. the future. No matter which way you spin it, the fights between them have been fascinating.

Yes, there have been times when maybe things went a little too far. And yes, the animosity now has ramped up significantly since the start of the season.

But within the heat of the battle, their fight has been fascinating to watch. And for this season at least, it will conclude at the Abu Dhabi GP set to take place this week.

The crowning glory of winning an unprecedented eighth F1 world title?

Or dethroning a legend to become champion for the first time?

FIVE DAYS TO GO #F1 #HistoryAwaits @LewisHamilton @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/PSG4gDHPPy

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 7, 2021

Ahead of the final race of the 2021 season, we look at the key numbers to keep in mind.

Verstappen vs Hamilton: in numbers

• 2 – this is the second time the Formula 1 world driver’s championship heads into the final race with the lead racers level on points. The last time this happened was in 1974, when Emerson Fittipaldi and Clay Regazzoni contested the title.
• 369.5 – the number of points both Verstappen and Hamilton hold going into the Abu Dhabi GP. Amazingly, Hamilton trailed by 19 points three races ago.
• 31 – the number of tracks that Hamilton has won races on. He notched up his 30th race win on a different track in Qatar, with the subsequent one coming at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
• 3 – the number of races on the trot that Hamilton has now won. Incredibly, it is also the first time this season he’s won three straight races.
• 0 – the number of championships Hamilton has won when trailing the standings this late in the season. It is a trend he will doubtless be keen to reverse.
• 8 – the number of world championships Hamilton would have won if he clinches the 2021 title. He is currently tied with Michael Schumacher; both have won 7 titles each. This will also be the number of constructor’s championships Mercedes will win if they clinch the team title for 2021; they’ve won this title every time since 2014.
• 17 – the number of podium finishes Verstappen has managed this season. It is the joint-highest number of podium finishes for a single season; he would most likely pass this record in Abu Dhabi.
• 1 – the number of wins keeping Verstappen in the championship lead ahead of Hamilton. Both have the exact number of points but Verstappen is ahead on wins countback; he’s taken 9 wins this season to Hamilton’s 8.

How will the championship be decided?

It’s simple really; the driver to score more points in this race is the title winner. And given Verstappen and Hamilton are a notch faster than everyone else, they will most likely again be contending for the race win.

It’s also worth noting though, that a DNF for both drivers would see Verstappen win the title. That is because he leads on countback, having won 1 more race than Hamilton.

As for who the favourite would be, it remains unclear. The advantage has swung wildly between the two drivers and teams throughout the season. To top things off, the Yas Marina circuit has seen some changes made to it.

So as things stand, no one really knows who or what the track might favour. Historically, the track has been a stronghold for Mercedes and so that might be some indication of an advantage for them.

However, Abu Dhabi was one race last season where Red Bull and Verstappen were quicker than Mercedes all weekend. So there’s no way to be certain.

One thing is for certain; the finish to this season will be as exciting as the season that preceded it.