Editor’s Note: This article on the drama surrounding the 2022 F1 season is posted in collaboration with an outside sponsorship client. The opinions and information contained within do not necessarily represent Frontstretch and its staff.
After the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix, there was a lot of chatter surrounding Max Verstappen’s refusal to let his teammate Sergio Perez pass him on the final lap. The 2021 and 2022 F1 world champion could have improved the Mexican’s chances of finishing second in the driver’s standings by allowing him to overtake. Verstappen refused and even told his team not to ask him again.
Tension after the flag for Max and Checo 🏁#BrazilGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/hyEX5OZwa9
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 13, 2022
The critics were out in force to condemn the Dutchman’s selfishness. In fact, many highlighted the multiple times Perez had helped Verstappen in the past by holding up rivals and stealing the fastest lap points at crucial times. But in a season when all the major titles have already been decided, it is the drama of the driver dynamics that has maintained much of the interest.
Talking points
Add to that George Russell’s breakthrough victory, and suddenly, there are plenty of talking points as the season draws to a close. For F1 betting fans, the odds for the outright winner of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix just got much tighter, with Verstappen priced at +125, Lewis Hamilton at +250, and Russell at +350. Plus, there is still the matter of second place in the drivers’ championship to be decided, with Charles Leclerc and Perez taking it to the wire. If you want to wager on the final race, you sign up to Paddy Power and take advantage of the latest betting offers.
If Mercedes can continue their revival into the final race, it will create huge anticipation for next season. And raise several key questions: Could we see a genuinely competitive three-way constructors’ battle between Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes? Could Russell displace Hamilton as the main man at the Silver Arrows? And is the beef between Verstappen and Perez sustainable until 2024? With only five drivers making it to the top of the podium so far in 2022, fans will welcome a more competitive season.
Strained relationships
There was more driver-related drama in Sao Paolo when Alpine driver Fernando Alonso hinted he was glad his partnership with teammate Esteban Ocon would soon be over. The duo collided twice on Lap 1 of the sprint race,…
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