Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton has responded to fears that a crash involving himself and Max Verstappen could decide the world title, insisting he is focusing on his own performance.
The thrilling 2021 F1 season reaches its climax this Sunday in Abu Dhabi, with Hamilton and bitter Red Bull rival Verstappen remarkably level on points heading into the finale.
The two men have won 17 races between them this season, with the Dutchman claiming nine victories to Hamilton’s eight so far in 2021.
Their rivalry has been one for the ages, with the two colliding at Silverstone and Monza before last weekend’s dramatic Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where there was drama and controversy in abundance.
Fans saw two red flags come out on Sunday in Saudi Arabia, multiple virtual safety car interventions and five drivers crash out before Hamilton won his eighth race of the season - and third in a row - to incredibly level the drivers’ standings.
Many are speculating whether Verstappen and Red Bull may resort to crash tactics to win the championship, although they vehemently deny such a thought has been considered - and their rival Hamilton is not thinking about such a prospect either.
“I can’t control those things around me the only thing I can control is what I do in terms of preparation and how I look after myself,” Hamilton said while looking ahead to this weekend’s finale during his press conference on Thursday.
“I just don’t give it any energy. I’m here to do the best job can do with this incredible team.
“We never thought we would be neck and neck going into the last race, it has been an amazing recovery.”
The 2021 season has seen the stewards intervene often, with Verstappen venting his frustration at their constant presence in deciding the outcome of races.
With the chance of the stewards potentially deciding the champion of the world, Hamilton was stern in his belief: “I’m here to do my job. And I don’t want to see the stewards.”
Verstappen has one more race win than Hamilton, which means the Brit needs to better his world title rival in Abu Dhabi this weekend to win an unprecedented eighth world title.
If the pair both crash out then Verstappen will be crowned the world champion.
Do you think the 2021 world championship will be decided by a crash? Let us know in the comments section.
When asked about whether a crash could decide the title, Verstappen insisted: “As a driver you don't think about these things.
“You go into a weekend where you just want to do the best you can as a team, and of course you try to naturally win the race. Naturally the media starts to say these things... I don't really have a lot to comment on that.
“I arrive here just trying to do the best I can, and trying to be the best prepared.”
