Jenson Button gives Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen title verdict before final two races

After a dominant display during a penalty-riddled Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton stormed to victory from tenth on the grid in Interlagos and followed that fine performance with another win in Qatar to reduce Verstappen’s lead to eight points with two races remaining.

Verstappen had edged himself ahead as Mercedes seemed to have no answers to their pace, however with another twist in the championship, the Dutchman has been once again presented by a roadblock with Hamilton’s dominance over the past few races.

The 36-year-old refused to back down and fought back with a vengeance in Brazil and Qatar to cut the lead to just eight with only races in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi remaining.

Button, who is currently working for Sky Sports F1 as a pundit, was Hamilton’s team-mate at McLaren between 2010 and 2012 after winning his world championship title alongside Brawn in 2009.

Formula One next heads to Jeddah for the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and Button says it’s too close for him to call.

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“It’s rather exciting, isn’t it,” said Button on Sky Sports F1. “Two races to go, eight points in it, and two of the best drivers in the world that we’ve seen drive F1 cars.

“It’s extremely tight, and we don’t know which car is going to be quick at the next race [at the Jeddah Street Circuit].

“It’s an exciting track from what we’ve seen. It’s very fast, no room for error in Saudi Arabia, with all the barriers around the track which makes it even better.”

Yet, when asked about his view on who might win the championship, Button remained firmly on the fence.

He added: “I actually have no idea, both are doing a great job, teams are doing a great job.

“It looks like Mercedes has the upper hand at the moment, but the next circuit is very different.

“And then obviously Abu Dhabi. We don’t know what to expect from that new layout either.”

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Formula One next heads to Jeddah for the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and Button says it’s too close for him to call.

“It’s rather exciting, isn’t it,” said Button on Sky Sports F1. “Two races to go, eight points in it, and two of the best drivers in the world that we’ve seen drive F1 cars.

“It’s extremely tight, and we don’t know which car is going to be quick at the next race [at the Jeddah Street Circuit].

“It’s an exciting track from what we’ve seen. It’s very fast, no room for error in Saudi Arabia, with all the barriers around the track which makes it even better.”

Yet, when asked about his view on who might win the championship, Button remained firmly on the fence.

source: express.co.uk