Max Verstappen crowned as F1 champion
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This edition of the Grand Prix had been heralded as one of the most impressive in the sport’s history
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Max Verstappen holding his Grand Prix trophy
The Grand Prix 2021 finally has a winner: Max Verstappen.
The Dutch driver, aged 24, grabbed his first Formula One Championship title after going head to head with Lewis Hamilton, one of F1’s all-time greatest.
This edition of the Grand Prix had been heralded as one of the most impressive in the sport’s history, with the final race held at Abu Dhabi described as one of the most “insane” final laps to ever be witnessed: Hamilton was on the verge of winning his record-breaking eighth world title when driver Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers with only four laps remaining.
This led to the restart of the final lap, now with Verstappen side-by-side with Hamilton, despite the latter having been in the lead.
The young Verstappen, set with new tires, outpaced his British rival and won one of the most thrilling F1 races.
The Dutch driver, representing Red Bull, was ecstatic and emotional following his win, saying "It's insane. I don't know what to say. I'm so pleased for the team and for all these guys. I love working with them so much.”
Verstappen concluded the season on 395.5 points, while Hamilton finished second on 387.5.
Hamilton was held from writing history with winning an eighth title, instead remaining for now on par with F1 legend Michael Schumacher’s record of seven titles.
Mercedes, whom Hamilton represents, lodged a complaint claiming that the title should in fact belong to their driver but the race stewards rejected it via a tweet: "The FIA Stewards have dismissed Mercedes' protests against the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix final classification.”
