Lewis Hamilton ‘masking his fear’ ahead of F1 finale showdown Max Verstappen

A body language expert says Lewis Hamilton is "masking his fear" ahead of this weekend's much-anticipated Formula One season climax.

Hamilton and title rival Max Verstappen head into the final race of the season level on 369.5 points each following an exciting and controversial few weeks of racing.

The British driver stormed to his third successive Grand Prix win last weekend in Saudi Arabia, but a collision with Verstappen towards the end nearly cost him the title.

During his post-race interview Hamilton adopted a relaxed demeanour, but body language expert Judi James says the 36-year-old was far more angry – and worried – than he let on.

"Hamilton appears to employ a technique known as social masking or body language bluffing here as he talks about events that could have been potentially dangerous," Ms James revealed to Paddy Power.

"His overall facial expression is a social smile, which could have more than one purpose.

"First it would help imply that he’s neither troubled not threatened by the other driver and second it could be a relic ritual related to animal instincts.

"Animals often mask fear or injury to avoid being seen as weak and therefore open to attacks from rivals. Hamilton might be keen to be seen to be shrugging off the other driver’s behaviour on the tracks to avoid it increasing rather than decreasing," she added.

Who will come out on top in Sunday's race? Let us know what you think in the comments section below…

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Hamilton is going in search of what would be a record eight F1 world championship, while Verstappen is looking to claim his maiden title.

Aside from a few unlikely permutations, whichever driver finishes ahead of the other will `be crowned champion, it's as simple as that.

There are suggestions that both men could look to take one another out during the race, but F1 bosses have warned that they could be stripped of victory if it comes via illicit means.

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