Verstappen vs. Hamilton: The Incredible 2021 Abu Dhabi Title Decider
Relive the incredible drama of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen secured his maiden F1 world championship by controversially passing Lewis Hamilton on the final lap. This winner-takes-all race saw a late Safety Car intervention lead to a hotly debated unlapping decision, setting up a breathtaking last-lap showdown that forever changed the course of Formula 1 history.
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains one of Formula 1's most unforgettable and controversial season finales, culminating in Max Verstappen snatching his maiden world championship from Lewis Hamilton on the final lap. The race, a winner-takes-all showdown, saw both drivers enter the event tied on points, setting the stage for an epic conclusion that has since been etched into F1 lore.
Why it matters:
The 2021 season finale not only delivered unparalleled drama but also marked a significant shift in Formula 1's competitive landscape. It crowned a new world champion in Max Verstappen, ending Lewis Hamilton's dominant run and denying him a record eighth title. The controversy surrounding the Safety Car period and the race director's decisions led to substantial rule changes and a deeper scrutiny of race management in F1.
The Details:
- Neck-and-Neck Battle: Verstappen and Hamilton arrived in Abu Dhabi tied on 369.5 points, an extremely rare occurrence for a season finale. This set the stage for a winner-takes-all scenario, where the driver who finished ahead would claim the championship.
- Hamilton's Dominance: For much of the race, Hamilton appeared to be in control, leading comfortably after a strong start and managing his pace effectively. He had built a significant gap over Verstappen, making a Red Bull victory seem increasingly unlikely as the laps dwindled.
- Latifi's Crash and Safety Car: The turning point arrived with just five laps remaining when Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams into the barriers. This brought out the Safety Car, bunching up the field and eliminating Hamilton's substantial lead.
- Controversial Unlapping Decision: Race Director Michael Masi initially stated that lapped cars would not be allowed to unlap themselves. However, he later reversed this decision, allowing only the five lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap, but not others further back. This decision put Verstappen, who had pitted for fresh soft tires during the Safety Car, directly behind Hamilton.
- Last-Lap Showdown: With the Safety Car withdrawn for the final lap, Verstappen, on significantly fresher and softer tires, lunged past Hamilton into Turn 5. He held on to cross the finish line first, securing his first-ever Formula 1 World Championship in a dramatic and hotly contested finish.
The Big Picture:
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix capped off one of the most intense and captivating F1 seasons in recent memory. The rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton, Red Bull and Mercedes, had been fierce throughout the year, marked by on-track clashes, strategic battles, and continuous psychological warfare. The race's controversial ending ignited widespread debate, with Mercedes initially protesting the results, though their appeals were ultimately rejected. This race remains a defining moment for both drivers and for the sport itself, highlighting the razor-thin margins and high stakes of championship racing.
Reactions:
- Mercedes' Protest: Mercedes lodged two protests after the race, citing breaches of Safety Car regulations, but both were dismissed by the stewards.
- Masi's Departure: The controversy eventually led to Michael Masi's removal as Race Director before the start of the 2022 season, as the FIA restructured its race management protocols.
- Fan Divide: The race left the F1 fanbase deeply divided, with strong opinions on the fairness of the outcome and the integrity of the sporting regulations.