Why Vettel’s 2010 miracle proves Verstappen can still claim the title

After the Korean GP, won by Fernando Alonso, the Spaniard was firmly at the top of the championship with 231 points — 11 ahead of Mark Webber, 21 ahead of Lewis Hamilton, and 25 ahead of the four-time world champion, who was languishing in fourth place with the slimmest chance of all.

The former German driver, however, managed to win in Brazil, finishing just ahead of his teammate and the Ferrari driver, closing the gap and heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi still 15 points behind.

At Yas Marina, one of the most dramatic finales in Formula 1 history unfolded. Alonso and Ferrari, believing they only needed to keep an eye on the nearest Red Bull in the standings, opted for a strategy focused on marking Webber.

Both, however, became stuck in traffic, leaving the door wide open for Vettel, who seized the opportunity to claim victory.

Alonso ended up seventh, trapped behind Petrov for much of the race, while Webber finished eighth. Vettel’s win secured him the first of his four world championships, once again proving that in Formula 1, nothing is decided until the checkered flag.

Even in that case, Vettel — like Verstappen now — had never led the championship that season, yet he managed to outsmart everyone, especially his teammate, at the very last possible moment. Could history repeat again?

Though still a tough challenge, the double disqualification of Norris and Piastri has thrust Verstappen back into the title fight — a battle that seemed all but over at the checkered flag in Las Vegas.

The Dutchman now trails Norris by 24 points, while he has already caught up with Oscar Piastri at 366 points, with all the momentum on his side.