Hakkinen: "He likes a challenge, and that's what Verstappen is for him"

Two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen thinks Max Verstappen has a firm grip on the world title, but he is sure there are surprises ahead. The psychological games between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will now come into play.

Hakkinen believes Red Bull Racing can deal another blow to Mercedes in Brazil. The Finn believes the Austrians have a small but very important speed advantage.

In his column on Unibet he writes: "This is the moment when the psychology of the driver and his team will become important. When everything is going well it can start to feel easy, but it’s when something goes wrong that championship-winners show just how good they are."

Hakkinen therefore warns Verstappen not to fall asleep so close to the finish line. Hamilton will be on constant alert and will strike at the slightest error.

Hakkinen concludes: "In my experience, therefore, it’s never over until the chequered flag falls on the last race. I feel sure this World Championship can go all the way to Abu Dhabi. No one should discount Lewis Hamilton’s ability to give Max plenty to think about during these final races. He likes a challenge, and that’s what Max is to Lewis."