Nobody in the paddock doubts that Max Verstappen will be Formula 1 World Champion in 2022. The only question is: when will the Dutchman be through? In theory, he can already celebrate his second title this weekend in Singapore – with five races to go.
“I’m sorry for the fans,” says world champion Lewis Hamilton, who was dethroned in 2021, who would like a decision at the last race of the season – similar to last year, when the decision about the title between him and Verstappen was only made in the last lap of the season season fell. “But when the season is over so early, it’s never nice.”
Incidentally, Hamilton himself also won some of his titles early on: in 2015 and 2020 he became world champion with three races left. “It’s great for yourself, but it’s not spectacular for the sport,” he says.
“So I’m really grateful that I can do it like 2008 [gegen Felipe Massa] when it came to the last 17 seconds,” says the Mercedes driver. “And last year it was basically the same. I hope it gets a little better in the future.”
Alonso: Max was the factor, not the car
According to Fernando Alonso, the fact that Verstappen may become world champion so early is mainly due to the Dutchman himself. “Ferrari had a very, very fast car, but Red Bull and Max were outstanding,” says the Spaniard. “There was no fight because Red Bull and Max were just better than the others. But they didn’t have the superior car. Ferrari was at least as good.”
If the championship is decided so early, then the Alpine pilot believes it is absolutely deserved: “They were by far the best team and the best driver. It doesn’t matter when they win it, but they will. Whether it’s here or in Japan, we’ll see.”
Verstappen could catch up with Alonso in two ways on Sunday: With 32 wins, he would have just as many wins as the Spaniard and with two titles just as many world championships.
“And he’s only 24 or 25 (he’ll be 25 on Friday; editor’s note) and still has a long way to go,” says Alonso. “I wish him luckier than me because at 26 I had those stats too. And at 40 they’re still the same. But I think he can only get better with Red Bull as it stands .”
fellow drivers impressed
His fellow drivers also join in the praise, although Alexander Albon notes: “He would probably want us to wait with the comments until he has also won.” But for the Thai, his ex-teammate has done a “very impressive” job.
“Yeah, that was incredible,” notes Lando Norris. “But the team also gave him a good car, so everyone expected that. But when he comes from behind and flies past you, it’s nice to see from the car.”
Esteban Ocon thinks so too: “When Max started from the back and just flew through the field, I found it quite impressive how on the first lap he knew where to place the car and all that. I think he was that year in top form,” said the Frenchman. “So if he wins the title, congratulations.”