Without crucial mistakes, Hamilton would’ve had significant lead over Max

Lewis Hamilton regained the World Championship lead following the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Brit won the British Grand Prix and then finished third, which turned into second with Sebastian Vettel’s disqualification, all whilst Max Verstappen scored just two points across both weekends. But things could’ve been very different. In this alternative World Championship standings, we look at how big a lead Hamilton could’ve had without his and Mercedes crucial mistakes. Please note, these are alternative standings and in some case do differ from the actual result. 

Bahrain Grand Prix 

1. Hamilton = 25 points 
2. Verstappen = 18 points 

A proper firecracker that really set the tone for the 2021 Formula 1 season. We got our first Hamilton v Verstappen battle in the very first race. Hamilton managed to keep the Dutchman behind, apart from the stewards deemed Verstappen overtook off the track. The Red Bull driver gave the place back. 

Imola Grand Prix 

1. Verstappen = 25 points 
2. Hamilton = 19 points 

And it continued in Italy. The two Championship rivals had a moment at turn one. Verstappen got the better of his rival on this occasion. Hamilton then made a major mistake by hitting the barrier and it’s fair to say the seven-time World Champion got lucky with a red flag which not only closed the field but allowed Mercedes to make a few repairs. But even without this mistake, Verstappen probably would’ve won here. 

Portuguese Grand Prix 

1. Hamilton = 25 points
2. Verstappen = 18 points 

This was a strong event for Hamilton where he more or less got the maximum out of the car and beat Verstappen well. 

Spanish Grand Prix 

1. Hamilton = 25 points 
2. Verstappen = 19 points 

Red Bull Racing didn’t look strong in the Spanish Grand Prix, but Verstappen did well to get second place. 

Monaco Grand Prix 

1. Verstappen = 25 points 
5. Hamilton = 10 points 

Mercedes were poor in Monaco. The car didn't look hooked up at all and a strong result was never really on the cards for Hamilton. However, Mercedes made a mistake with the strategy and as a result, Sergio Perez and Sebastian Vettel jumped the Brit in the pitstops. Had he kept those two drivers behind with a better strategy, and benefitted from Bottas’ DNF, it’s reasonable to say he could’ve finished 5th. 

Azerbaijan Grand Prix 

2. Hamilton = 18 points 

Verstappen = 0 points 

The story is well known. Verstappen was the leader in the closing stages of the race, but his tyre exploded. At the restart, Hamilton accidentally pressed the brake magic button and therefore couldn’t brake as intended at turn one. He lost the race. Without this mistake, he could’ve won the race but most likely would’ve come second as Perez demonstrated earlier in the race how he could keep Hamilton behind. 

French Grand Prix 

1. Verstappen = 26 points 
2. Hamilton = 18 points 

The updates Honda introduced in France worked well and Verstappen managed to outsmart his big rival. Mercedes could’ve opted for a better strategy but their hands were pretty much tied. 

Styrian Grand Prix 

1. Verstappen = 25 points 
2. Hamilton = 19 points 

A really strong display of driving from Verstappen. 

Austrian Grand Prix 

Verstappen = 26 points 
4. Hamilton = 12 points 

Another dominant display for Verstappen and the Mercedes car struggled with performance. Here, Hamilton even let Bottas through. 

British Grand Prix 

1. Hamilton = 25 points (+3 sprint race) 
Verstappen = 0 points (+2 sprint race) 

In the sprint qualifying, Hamilton got off the line poorly and Verstappen got ahead at the first corner. With a stronger start, Hamilton could’ve won the sprint race. And then of course, the big crash during the main event. 

Hungarian Grand Prix 

1. Hamilton = 25 points 

9. Verstappen = 2 points 

It’s arguably a team fault, but really a driver of Hamilton’s quality should know whether or not the track requires intermediates or slicks. Had he pitted when everyone else did at the restart, this would’ve been an easy win for Hamilton.

Alternative World Championship standings at the summer break 

If we had all the points together, Hamilton could’ve been on 224 points, and Verstappen would’ve been on 186. A difference of 38 points which is significant. With this gap, the British driver could afford a DNF and a Verstappen win in the same event. 

Of course, it’s all ifs buts and maybes. Which is basically what sport is all about. And that's why we love it. Things could’ve turned out different still. Maybe Hamilton doesn’t get the lucky red flag or Verstappen doesn’t lose a huge amount of points in Baku, Silverstone and Hungary. Click here to see the other alternative championship standings where the results of Verstappen are maximised.