The 2021 Formula 1 season reached a controversial conclusion on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. After a contentious racing season, Max Verstappen edged seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the final moments to win his first F1 championship.
Verstappen and Hamilton have been on a collision course seemingly all season. The two jostled at the top of the standings down the stretch, finishing in the top two in each of the last five races leading up to the finale. In last week’s dramatic race in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Hamilton accused Verstappen of “brake-checking” after they made contact on the track. The rivals were tied for the points lead entering Sunday’s race, setting up a historic bout at the Yas Marina Circuit. Verstappen beat Hamilton to pole position for the final race, but the advantage didn’t hold for long.
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The drama started early on Sunday when Hamilton passed Verstappen on the first lap. Verstappen lunged into Turn 6, forcing Hamilton to the run-off before re-emerging to take the lead. Verstappen protested for Hamilton to give the place back, to no avail. However, Max would get his revenge in a timely manner. Nicholas Latifi crashed with five laps remaining, forcing a late safety car onto the track. Verstappen’s Red Bull team played it smart, opting for fresh tires late in the race that proved to be one of the deciding factors. Hamilton’s team, much to the chagrin of Lewis, chose to stay the course. The safety car departed with one lap remaining, leaving Hamilton and Verstappen neck and neck in the final moments. The latter overpowered Hamilton in Turn 5, and the rest is bittersweet history.
Verstappen is the Netherlands’ first F1 champion ever and the first Red Bull Racing champion since 2013. Thus concludes one of the greatest seasons in Formula 1 history.
As usual, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below! Lastly, Lionel Messi Wins Record-Setting Seventh Ballon d’Or.
