The Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship has given us plenty of fuel for the fire this season. As we strap in for the final race on November 23, our primary spotlight is dedicated to the Hamilton vs. Rosberg rivalry. These two professionals exemplify the true spirit of competition in every race. They battle for supremacy without fear of death or defeat. We are mesmerized by their predatory instincts as we watch them dissect the turns of each course with precision and valor. It has been an honor to witness the history they’ve created this year. We can only hope that the final race of the season evokes a level of determination never seen before.
According to「bet-at-home」, the odds of Lewis Hamilton or Nico Rosberg making the podium are priced at 1.05 and 1.08, respectively. We expect this rivalry to continue for another season, but one can never tell how things will go in the new season. It’s F1, where one can’t predict what’s going to happen in the next turn, much less in a season. The title rests, solely, in the hands of these two drivers now.
They have given us a nail-biting season and delivered blinding suspense in almost every race. Title contenders come and go, but seldom do two challengers ride a wave of dominance the way Hamilton and Rosberg have finishing 11 races this year together on the podium.
【bet-at-home.com: 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 1-3 Podium Finisher Odds】
※ Current Odds Date & Time: November 19, 7:00 a.m. (GMT)
With his fifth title of the season at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Rosberg has kept his chances alive at capturing the Championship. With the Etihad Abu Dhabi Grand Prix offering double points, Rosberg is within reach to take the top spot with a win this weekend as he sits just 17 points behind Championship leader, Hamilton.
As for who has the upper hand in claiming victory this weekend, let’s take a comparative look at the winning driver odds breakdown courtesy of「bet-at-home」and「Dafabet」.
【bet-at-home.com: 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Race Winner Odds】
※ Current Odds Date & Time: November 19, 7:00 a.m. (GMT)
【Dafabet: 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Race Winner Odds】
※ Current Odds Date & Time: November 19, 8:00 a.m. (GMT)
The introduction of double points for the season ending race is a marketing opportunity that complicates all the results from the entire season. Formula 1 is a business where advertising is generating millions of dollars in revenue. It makes sense to turn the season ending event into a spectacle. Knowing the points leader could lose it all if he doesn’t place 1st or 2nd, creates an unbelievable twist from the start of qualifying to the finish line on race day.
For Rosberg, it’s a great problem to have. He has the opportunity to take the title after winning only five races this season. It seems unfair to force the points leader to win the final race after having performed so well all season, however this is the current situation we have.
Moving forward, we can’t be certain that the double points rule will be around next season. It depends on how many protests will be submitted once the season ends. There are plenty of naysayers who don’t think it’s fair to provide an opportunity for other drivers to “steal” the title on the final day of the season. It’s an understandable argument because everyone should have the same opportunity to win the championship over the course of the season, not because points are doubled at the finish line on the final day.
Since the rule is what it is, all we can do is look ahead to this weekend’s match-up of Hamilton vs. Rosberg. It’s a battle of two gladiators that will prove to keep the attention of everyone who follows the race. Abu Dhabi has the honor of hosting one of the most definitive races in the history of the sport. If Lewis Hamilton fails to take the title on Sunday, the controversy will probably escalate to a deafening roar.
Now placing our focus on who will be declared the winner of this year’s Drivers’ Championship, we return back to bookmakers「bet-at-home」and「Dafabet」. The odds highly favor Lewis Hamilton becoming the World Champion after Abu Dhabi but one can’t rule out Rosberg who is the only driver left with a mathematical possibility of defeating the Englishman.
【Dafabet: 2014 Drivers’ Championship Winner Odds】
※ Current Odds Date & Time: November 19, 8:00 a.m. (GMT)
【bet-at-home.com: 2014 Drivers’ Championship Winner Odds】
※ Current Odds Date & Time: November 19, 8:00 a.m. (GMT)
So who will be crowned the winner of this weekend’s race after all is said and done? And who will bask in the glory of being named the Championship winner? It will be a Mercedes driver for sure but will it be an Englishman in Hamilton or a German in Rosberg? Abu Dhabi will reveal all!
