The seven-time champion and his Mercedes have two races left to catch Ferrari, beginning at this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix. “Ferrari have had an amazing car most of the year and most likely they will be back at the front this weekend,” he said. Also in Brazil, the world champion Max Verstappen, who secured his second title in Japan this year, conceded that he expects the punishment for his Red Bull team’s breach of the 2021 budget cap to have a detrimental effect on his chances to defend the world championship next season. However Red Bull have enjoyed an absolutely dominant car this season which has returned 16 wins from 20 races thus far. They will retain that advantage going into next season and the Dutchman was optimistic his team would react positively to their penalty. He and the team refused to speak to Sky over the weekend in Mexico City.

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