© Jiri Krenek for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Former F1 driver, and a friend of Lewis Hamilton’s idol Ayrton Senna, says he has “seen a lot of duels in Formula 1”, but the 2021 title fight “is unique”.
Berger has had the opportunity to watch one of the greatest of all time – three-time F1 champion Ayrton Senna – at work in close proximity, as he was his team-mate at McLaren from 1990 until 1992.
It is well known that Senna was Lewis Hamilton’s favourite driver while he was growing up. Well, in ’90 and ’91 Berger had the privilege of watching Senna win his last two world titles. However, he believes the title fight between Hamilton and Verstappen is something special.
”I would have said a short time ago that Max will do it this year, but in Formula 1 you should never underestimate the competition and take nothing for granted,” Berger said.
“Max should have actually come to Spa-Francorchamps with a comfortable lead in the World Championship, but Mercedes and Hamilton have changed the situation, by all means.
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”I’ve seen a lot of duels in Formula 1, but this is unique, with the two top drivers, the technical geniuses behind them, with [Toto] Wolff against [Helmut] Marko.
“They are all outstanding professionals who make for an incredible starting position. I wouldn’t be surprised if the decision isn’t made until Abu Dhabi.”
Berger believes the fight will be taxing for all involved, but it will not make them lose their focus on the big picture.
“The duel for the title will cost those involved a lot of energy. Nevertheless, the two top teams will not have any disadvantage in the development of the new cars because of this.
“They handle it with their staff”, concluded the Austrian.
