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Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes W12
Autosport Plus
Opinion

The gamesmanship warning over F1’s potentially title-deciding moments

OPINION: Mercedes' decision to pit Valtteri Bottas towards the end of the Mexican Grand Prix to steal the fastest lap point from Max Verstappen created an intriguing subplot. While the pair's jostling for track position was all above board, it likely won't be the last time teams employ such tactics with championships at stake

Imagine the scenario. There are three laps to go in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the 2021 Formula 1 championship battle could not be more finely poised. Lewis Hamilton, who came to Yas Marina seven points behind rival Max Verstappen, holds a comfortable 10-second margin over the pursuing Dutchman.

Victory alone though is not enough to guarantee the Mercedes driver the title – thanks to the countback rule and Verstappen having won more races this year. He knows that, for the championship to be his, he also has to grab fastest lap. And that’s exactly what he did during the long second stint, securing the quickest lap of the race.

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