Hamilton versus Verstappen: 'I have seen many duels, but this is unique'

Red Bull Racing will have a car with which to fight for the world title in 2021 for the first time since 2013, and for a while had the lead in the championship. Prior to the British Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing and Verstappen had a wide margin in both standings, but two races later it's Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton who are leading the lists.

Duel between Red Bull and Mercedes

''I would have said a short time ago that Max will do it this year, but in Formula One you should never underestimate the competition and take nothing for granted. Max should actually come to Spa-Francorchamps with a comfortable lead in the World Cup, but Mercedes and Hamilton have changed the situation - by all means,'' the former F1 driver said according to Speedweek.com.

''I've seen a lot of duels in Formula 1, but this is unique, with the two top drivers, the technical geniuses behind them, with Wolff against Marko - they are all outstanding professionals who make for an incredible starting position. I wouldn't be surprised if the decision isn't made until Abu Dhabi.''

F1 in 2022

The fact that the duel will last until the end of the season won't even affect the 2022 car, according to Berger. While many teams are already fully engaged with the car for 2022, Berger doesn't feel the two top teams will lose much ground here.

''The duel for the title will cost those involved a lot of energy. Still, the two top teams will not be disadvantaged by this in the development of the new cars, they deal with it with their staff,'' concludes the Austrian.