Will Verstappen Use Hamilton's 'Brutal' Tactic for the F1 Title?

Max Verstappen might resort to a controversial tactic, reminiscent of Lewis Hamilton's 2016 move, in the Abu Dhabi season finale to secure the championship. F1 expert Ralf Bach weighs in on the Dutchman's potential strategies, highlighting the tight championship battle and the critical role of Oscar Piastri in McLaren's strategy.

Why it matters:

The 2025 F1 championship is heading for a nail-biting conclusion in Abu Dhabi, with Max Verstappen needing a win and Lando Norris finishing no higher than fourth to claim the title. This intense scenario could push Verstappen to employ unconventional, high-pressure tactics, echoing Lewis Hamilton's controversial strategy from 2016, which aimed to create chaos and improve his championship odds. Such a move would not only define Verstappen's season but also add another chapter to F1's history of dramatic title deciders.

The Details:

• 2016 Hamilton Precedent: In the 2016 Abu Dhabi finale, Lewis Hamilton deliberately slowed down to bunch up the pack, hoping Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen would challenge Nico Rosberg, who was second. Hamilton's goal was to push Rosberg out of a championship-winning position. Although Rosberg held on to second and won the title, the tactic was widely debated.
• Verstappen's Current Stance: Verstappen finds himself in a similar position to Hamilton in 2016. He must win, and Norris cannot finish on the podium. If Norris secures a podium spot, he wins the championship.
• Expert Opinion: F1-Insider Ralf Bach, who witnessed the 2016 race, described Hamilton's tactic as “quite cheeky” but “absolutely understandable” as it was Hamilton's only remaining option. Bach believes Verstappen might consider a similar approach if necessary, though he questions if Verstappen's driving style naturally lends itself to such a slow, tactical drive.
• Oscar Piastri's Role: Oscar Piastri is expected to be a crucial factor. With the least to lose among the title contenders, Piastri “has to go all-in,” according to Bach. Piastri is 16 points behind Norris, making a strong performance from him essential for McLaren. His objective should be pole position, hoping Norris struggles in qualifying to avoid a potential team order even before the race starts.

The Big Picture:

With Norris at 408 points, Verstappen at 396, and Piastri at 392, the championship is incredibly close. This tight points situation suggests that the Abu Dhabi finale will be rich with strategic maneuvers and calculated risks. Each driver's tactical decisions will be critical in determining who ultimately lifts the championship trophy. The F1 community anticipates a race filled with strategic twists and turns, making it one of the most unpredictable finales in recent memory.

What's next:

The 2025 F1 finale in Abu Dhabi is poised to be a tactical masterclass, with multiple scenarios possible for the championship outcome. Verstappen has a history of performing under pressure and delivering creative solutions in critical moments. Whether he employs a direct copy of Hamilton's 2016 tactic or devises his own strategic gambit remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a thrilling and potentially controversial conclusion to the season. The roles of both McLaren drivers, Norris and Piastri, will also be key, especially regarding potential team orders to secure the title.