Would a different scoring system have made a difference for Verstappen?

The 2021 championship is one of the most exciting in history. With two races to go, the difference between the two title fighters Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton is only 8 points, while there are still 52 points to be earned.

In the past, there were multiple point systems. The question is: would that have mattered much to Verstappen or Hamilton? GPToday.net ran the results of both drivers through the points time machine.

We have not included the following:
– fastest laps (until now Hamilton and Verstappen have the same amount)
– Crossing out bad results, which was common until 1990 (for example, in 1950 there were four out of seven races)
– points sprint races are not counted, because they did not exist in the past

1950-1960
Scoring: 8-6-4-3-2

Verstappen: 116, Hamilton: 107

The Dutchman has a jump of 9 points with a total of 16) points still to be achieved (until 1959 even 18 by fastest lap). Twice a third place would be enough for the Red Bull driver. If the fastest lap counted, two second place would be enough.

1961-1990
Scoring: 9-6-4-3-2-1

Verstappen: 125, Hamilton: 114

The victories counted more heavily (an extra point than before 1961). Two third places for Verstappen would have been enough for the world title.

1991-2002
Scoring: 10-6-4-3-2-1

Verstappen: 134, Hamilton 121

Once again, the FIA ​​gave more value to a win, but in these situations too, Verstappen has to finish third twice to be crowned as world champion.

2003-2009
Scoring: 10-8-6-4-3-2-1

Verstappen: 150, Hamilton: 143

With this distribution of points, the seven-time world champion has a slightly more advantage, but Verstappen also needs two second places.

Conclusion
Hamilton has an advantage in the current points system. Regardless of what Verstappen does, the Briton is world champion with two victories. But had the points been divided in a different way – as in the past, Verstappen would have been more in control.