Ferrari victory DENIED as F1 champion steals wi…read more
This year’s Formula 1 season has become a thrilling showdown between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, reminiscent of past dramatic title battles. The recent U.S. Grand Prix in Austin showcased the fierce competition between the two, despite Ferrari leading most of the race with a strong one-two finish. However, attention quickly shifted to Verstappen and Norris’s intense duel for the final podium spot.
In the closing stages, Verstappen managed to clinch third place for Red Bull. Norris, who crossed the line just behind him, received a five-second penalty for overtaking off the track, a decision that sparked controversy. This penalty allowed Verstappen to move ahead of Norris, earning him valuable points. As the championship heads into its final five races, the result gives Verstappen a slight cushion in his title defense. Nevertheless, Red Bull’s dominance has waned since the early part of the season, adding uncertainty to the championship run.
The current rivalry between Verstappen and Norris has drawn comparisons to the 2006 Formula 1 season. Eighteen years ago, Fernando Alonso, who still competes today, clinched his second world title in a campaign full of twists and unexpected turns. In 2006, Alonso started the season strongly, winning six of the first nine races and securing second in the others. By mid-season, he had built a significant 25-point lead over his closest competitor, Michael Schumacher—a margin equivalent to a 63-point lead under the modern scoring system.
However, Alonso’s fortunes changed at the U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis, where he only managed fifth. A crucial turning point came when the FIA suddenly banned Renault’s “mass damper” device, a key component to the R26 car’s performance. Renault claimed the ban cost them around 0.3 seconds per lap, and Alonso’s results faltered. He went seven races without a victory, while Schumacher closed the gap with five wins. By the penultimate race in Japan, the two drivers were tied with 116 points each after Renault’s struggles in a rainy Chinese Grand Prix.
The momentum seemed to favor Schumacher in Japan as he led the race, but an engine failure changed everything. Alonso took advantage to win, nearly securing his title. In the final race in Brazil, Alonso only needed a top-eight finish to clinch the championship, assuming Schumacher took the win. But mechanical issues in qualifying and a mid-race puncture doomed Schumacher’s chances, allowing Alonso to comfortably secure his second consecutive crown.
The parallels between Alonso’s 2006 season and Verstappen’s current battle are hard to ignore. Both started strong, faced mid-season challenges, and saw rival teams close the gap. Now, as the season nears its end, Verstappen is hoping to hold off Norris and defend his title amidst increasing pressure.
