Binder’s money on Verstappen to pip Hamilton in F1 title race

MotoGP rider Brad Binder might ply his trade on two wheels, but he has admitted to being hooked on the enticing F1 title fight between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

The two F1 driver’s title contenders are gridlocked on 369.5 points going into Sunday’s season finale in Abu Dhabi.

“It’s insane. Who would have thought that Lewis and Max would be tied on points going into the final race?” said Binder, who is currently on holiday in South Africa, during a virtual press conference this week.

“The drama during last Sunday’s race in Saudi Arabia was just crazy. But it does seem that Formula 1 has almost become a penalty game more than it is a racing game.

“I’m 110% behind Max and hopes that he can pull through and win the title.”

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Apart from the fact that both Binder and Verstappen’s teams are headlined by Red Bull, they also share the same race number, number 33.

“I have known Max for a long time, because ultimately we race for the same people.

“The fact that we share the same race number is very cool. Max is a really cool guy and I wish him all the best,” said Binder.

Verstappen will earn his maiden F1 crown by outscoring Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while the Mercedes driver is out to set a new record of eight titles should he prevail at the Yas Marina Circuit. The Brit is currently tied with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles.

Should they still be tied on points after the Abu Dhabi GP, the Dutchman will prevail by virtue of more race wins in 2021.

Binder knows a thing or two about close title races. In 2019 he won the last three races of the Moto2 season only to be pipped to the title by Spaniard Alex Marquez by a mere two points.

In 2016 Binder dominated the Moto3 class to romp to the world title by an almighty 142 points.

To see the F1 drivers’ world championship standings, click here.