For the first time since 2012, Formula 1 arrives at the last race of the season with the drivers’ title still hovering between the main drivers of two different teams. In fact, on the last two occasions in which the championship was decided in the last round, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, both at the wheel of Mercedes, were in contention. Nine years ago, however, Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, represented respectively by Red Bull and Ferrari, battled until the last Grand Prix. The Maranello team is the common protagonist of the Yas Marina race, thanks to a curious statistic.
The Lewis Hamilton – Max Verstappen confrontation – and therefore Mercedes-Red Bull – represents the first title awarded in the last race between two different teams, without one of them being Ferrari, since the 1994 championship. At that time, Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill, behind the wheel of Benetton and Williams. Subsequently, when it came to a decisive head-to-head between two or more drivers from different teams, at least one always wore the red suit. It happened in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 and – indeed 2012. There is no lack of similarities between the championship final of ’94 and that of this year. Back then Michael Schumacher had a one-point advantage on Hill, while now the situation is perfectly balanced. In both cases, however, whoever finished ahead in the final race, would have won the title.
At that time, the constructors’ title was also up for grabs, but – just like today – it was already directed towards one of the two teams. On Sunday, Mercedes will start with a 28-point lead over Red Bull; in Adelaide instead Williams had five more than Benetton, out of a maximum of 16 points which could be scored in a race weekend. Everyone remembers well what the outcome of that title duel was and the way it took place. Everyone’s hope is that in this case both contenders can arrive at the checkered flag.
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