unfold between the title contenders. motorsport journalist michael lamonato says you couldn't have scripted the race or the result. an incredible debut event, absolutely right, and what a perfect set—up it is for the finale, as you mentioned. not only the fact that there are no points between the two title protagonists but the tension this race delivered for this finale is better — you could not have scripted it, it's better than formula 1 could have hoped for. i mean, you talk about the tension from the race, michael, i think it's fair to say the tension between these two is also very much part of the story and, i mean, we are dealing with — let's not get too carried away — but it's pretty much life—and—death stuff, isn't it? — and they are putting each other right on the line. absolutely, i mean, it is — it does mean so much to them for different reasons. of course, this is the purpose for them to race is to win the world but for lewis hamilton, this is a potential to win a record—breaking eighth world championship and he's already said if he wins this one, it would be the one he holds in highest regard, simply because it's been such a top slog for him. on the other side, it's max verstappen, racing for his first. and for his entire career