2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Controversial Title Decider)

Lore & Background

Hamilton led most of the race and appeared on course to win his eighth title. Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the final lap after a controversial safety car restart. The dispute stemmed from race director Michael Masi's handling of the safety car, which was seen as inconsistent with usual procedures. Mercedes protested the result, which the stewards dismissed. The FIA conducted an inquiry, confirming the race and championship results, concluding the rules were ambiguous and the safety car regulations required clarification. Masi was replaced by two new people.

In Their Own Story

The desert night at Yas Marina held its breath as the Safety Car peeled away, revealing only two cars on the lead lap. Max Verstappen, in his Red Bull RB16B, sat mere inches behind Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes W12, the silver rocket seemingly untouchable. On the final straight, DRS deployed and tires screamed against the asphalt. Verstappen dove down the inside into Turn 5, a desperate gamble on fresh softs against Hamilton's old hards. For a heartbeat, the world froze as the cars fought side-by-side for the apex. Then, Verstappen pulled ahead, the checkered flag falling to seal a victory that would ignite global debate and crown a new champion.

Reader's Guide

The race started at 17:00 local time on Sunday, 12 December. Hamilton immediately took the lead from Verstappen on the opening lap. Masi allowed all lapped cars (five cars) to unlap themselves before the restart, not only those between Verstappen and Hamilton.

Did You Know?

• This was the final race for 2007 world champion Kimi Räikkönen, who retired after a two-decade career spanning a then-record 349 Grand Prix starts.
• This was also the final race for Honda as a works power unit supplier until the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in partnership with Aston Martin.
• The Yas Marina Circuit underwent a layout change that shortened the track to increase top speeds and overtaking opportunities.