Verstappen Can Still Win the Title: Vettel's 2010 Comeback Proves Anything is Possible

Sebastian Vettel's miraculous 2010 championship win, despite a significant points deficit with just two races remaining, offers a compelling blueprint for Max Verstappen's current title ambitions. Trailing by 25 points after the Korean GP, Vettel surged to victory, demonstrating that in Formula 1, the fight is never truly over until the final checkered flag.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen, now 24 points behind Lando Norris after a dramatic turn of events in Las Vegas, faces a similar challenge. Vettel's 2010 triumph, where he never led the championship until the very last moment, provides a powerful precedent. This historical parallel reignites hopes for Verstappen's fans and underscores the unpredictable nature of F1, where a late-season surge can redefine the championship outcome.

The details:

• Vettel's 2010 Comeback: After the Korean GP, Fernando Alonso led the championship with 231 points. Mark Webber was 11 points behind, Lewis Hamilton 21, and Sebastian Vettel a distant fourth, 25 points adrift.
• Brazilian GP Victory: Vettel won in Brazil, closing the gap significantly, and headed into the Abu Dhabi finale still 15 points behind Alonso.
• Abu Dhabi Drama: In one of F1's most dramatic finales, Ferrari's strategy to cover Webber inadvertently left Vettel free to win the race and secure his first world championship. Alonso finished seventh, and Webber eighth, both caught in traffic.
• Verstappen's Current Standings: Following the double disqualification of Norris and Piastri in Las Vegas, Verstappen now trails Norris by 24 points. He is tied with Oscar Piastri at 366 points, with momentum seemingly shifting in his favor.

The big picture:

Both Vettel in 2010 and Verstappen currently faced situations where the championship seemed all but decided. Vettel's ability to capitalize on strategic errors by his rivals, and to deliver under immense pressure, allowed him to snatch the title at the last possible moment. Verstappen's situation mirrors this in that a late-season surge, combined with potential shifts in the competitive landscape, could dramatically alter the championship's conclusion. His performance in the upcoming races will be critical, as will any strategic missteps from his competitors.

What's next:

With two races remaining, the battle for the championship is far from over. Verstappen's task is still challenging, but Vettel's historic comeback provides a clear example that with strong performances and a bit of luck, anything is possible. The Dutchman will need to emulate Vettel's relentless pursuit of victory and capitalize on every opportunity to close the gap and potentially claim the title.