Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are currently restricted to the top of the drivers’ ratings. The next and final race of the season should provide clarity. But what happens if both fail or not get into the points? SPOX shows you who won the world title with a tie.
It’s been a long time since two Formula 1 drivers started the last race of the season with the exact same number of points: in 1974 Clay Rigazzoni and Emerson Fittipaldi competed for the world title. The latter won the second title of his career in the final with only three points.
Now it comes to the re-release of this historic episode in Formula One: Dutchman Max Verstappen has led the standings for a long time, and the return of rival Lewis Hamilton seemed almost hopeless. The turning point was the new engine the Briton had installed before the Brazilian Grand Prix. Balance since: Three wins from three races.
With Verstappen second in all three races on Sunday, Hamilton is not yet in the lead. Before the last meeting this year, the two drivers were closer to each other than ever before – it couldn’t be more exciting.
Formula – Verstappen vs Hamilton: What happens in the event of a tie?
But who will actually win the world championship this year if, say, both drivers drop out of the race or don’t get the points. To put it more simply: Who would be the world champion if there was a tie?
In fact, never before had two drivers scored the same number of championship points after the last race. However, in this case, he will decide on the following criterion: the number of times to win. While Verstappen has already racked up nine GP wins this season, Hamilton has “only” won eight times.
If both motors have the same number here as well, then the next criterion will be the number of second positions, then the number of third positions and so on.
Formula 1, Max Verstappen vs. Lewis Hamilton: This is how Verstappen becomes world champion
With one more win, Verstappen has a slightly better starting position compared to Hamilton despite the draw. Verstappen becomes world champion if:
- He and Hamilton fail
- He and Hamilton end up out of the scoring
- He finished the race before Hamilton
- He finished 10th, got the point with the fastest lap, Hamilton was 9th
- He finished ninth and Hamilton 10th and got the point with the fastest lap
Formula 1, Max Verstappen vs. Lewis Hamilton: This is how Hamilton becomes world champion
On the other hand, Hamilton only wins if the following situations occur:
- Finished 8th, Verstappen 10th
- He finished 9th, Verstappen 10th and neither secured the point for fastest lap
Formula 1, Max Verstappen vs. Lewis Hamilton: The grand finale for Abu Dhabi
The 22nd race and the decision on the World Championships will take place in Abu Dhabi. Almost a year ago, on December 13th, the drivers duel for the last time on the slopes, and the winner at the time: Max Verstappen.
Formula 1, Max Verstappen vs. Lewis Hamilton: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – schedule
| date | time | share |
| Friday December 10 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 1. Free practice |
| Friday December 10 | 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm | 2. Free practice |
| Saturday 11 December | 11.00 AM – 12.00 PM | 3. Free practice |
| Saturday 11 December | 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm | Rehabilitation |
| Sunday December 12 | 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm | He runs |
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