Vettel believes that Verstappen is capable of winning the title.

      On Thursday Sebastian Vettel appeared in the paddock at the São Paulo circuit, although it wasn't only because he missed the Formula 1 atmosphere. The four-time world champion combines meeting former colleagues and fans with taking part in environmental initiatives.

      This time it was an initiative aimed at saving South America's tropical forests, which Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto and Valtteri Bottas also joined. But of course journalists couldn't help but ask Sebastian for his view on the championship situation, where the fight for the title is heating up, since he knows from personal experience what that's like.

      On Sky Italia he was asked whether Max Verstappen could this year repeat what Sebastian himself achieved in 2010. Back then, 15 years ago, after the race in Monza he was 24 points behind Mark Webber, his Red Bull Racing team-mate. At that point the Australian was leading the drivers' standings, but then Fernando Alonso overtook him; however Vettel gradually cut the deficit and ultimately became world champion – for the first time in his career.

      "Could Max win in Brazil, like I did that year, and then go on to become champion? Why not — I think he's capable of it!" Sebastian replied. "There are still a lot of points to be contested, although it's clear the favorite right now isn't him but Lando Norris, who tops the standings.

      "However, we can't predict how the coming weekend will pan out, because races in São Paulo often follow a completely mad script. Surprises are always possible at this track, so we'll see how it all goes. But it's very interesting to watch the races right now, and if Max keeps cutting the gap it'll be even more so. In short, I wish him to score points here too!"