Bad news for Verstappen: "On paper Hamilton is the favourite now"

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will do everything in their power to get the best out of the last two Grands Prix. Jacques Villeneuve expects a tough battle but is convinced that both drivers will race within the rules.

It happened several times in the history of Formula 1 that teams opted for a deliberate crash in the last race in order to thwart the competitor, the former world champion knows better than anyone. However, he does not expect Mercedes and Red Bull Racing to have the same plans.

"I seriously don't think drivers are into that. Generally speaking, the fight between them hasn't been that nasty either, in my opinion," he says in an interview with The Telegraph. "Of course, it can happen in the last race. But the risk of a heavy penalty will be high. I don't know if it's worth it."

Villeneuve believes Mercedes have made a better impression in recent races, giving the German team the best chance of winning the world title. "The last circuits were very good for Mercedes. Next week in Abu Dhabi Red Bull should have a better chance, although that circuit has also been slightly modified. A lot will depend on that race. On paper Hamilton is the favourite now."