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Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer says Max Verstappen is now “prepared to take more risks, because if both drivers end up out of the race, naturally it suits the driver in the lead of the championship”.
In his Formula1.com column Jolyon Palmer gave his opinion on the current state of the 2021 championship and Max Verstappen’s increased aggressiveness.
“Verstappen has always been aggressive,” Palmer wrote.
“But now with the championship on the line, it looks like he’s prepared to take more risks, because if both drivers end up out of the race, naturally it suits the driver in the lead of the championship.
“Conversely Hamilton had to avoid contact at all costs, because getting caught up in any incident with Verstappen could have cost him the championship.
“Heading to Abu Dhabi with an eight-point deficit or more would be very tricky to overcome in one race weekend. It would be out of his hands.”
The Briton adds Formula 1 needs to introduce “clear rules of engagement” to “avoid some of the on-track antics we’ve seen so far”.
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“It was a shame that this race was decided by the stewards and not a fantastic on-track battle, but it’s hard to argue with the result given everything that happened on Sunday.
“The great thing is that it sets us up for a thrilling finale in Abu Dhabi with the two incredibly stuck level on points after 21 rounds.
“To avoid some of the on-track antics we’ve seen so far, I think there needs to be clear rules of engagement set out between both of these two drivers.
“The pressures, tensions and emotions are all absolutely wild at the moment, but after an incredible season like this, we want it to be decided by on-track brilliance, of which there has been plenty this season, rather than by a stewarding decision.
“Both drivers have driven impeccable seasons, and either one of them can end as a worthy champion on Sunday,” Palmer concluded.
