Verstappen claims maiden title over Hamilton in controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
P1 – VER
P2 – HAM
P3 – SAI
Lights to Flag Controversy
In what will surely be a historic grand prix, Abu Dhabi was filled with drama and controversy from beginning to end.
Hamilton struck from the start, overtaking Verstappen on medium tires. The Dutch driver didn’t let Hamilton get away too easily as he fought back at Turn 6. Hamilton went wide and ultimately took the lead with no further investigation from the stewards.
After overtaking Sergio Perez for the lead on Lap 22, it looked like a clear-cut victory for Lewis. Hamilton edged out a comfortable lead from Verstappen until drama struck late in the race.
The Williams of Nicholas Latifi crashed, inducing a safety car on Lap 56. Crucially, Verstappen pitted for soft tires while Hamilton stayed out to keep track position.
It was decided there would be one lap to end the title-deciding race, making for a memorable end to the finish. Hamilton’s worn tires were no match for Verstappen, who was allowed to pass lapped cars. Verstappen made the title-deciding pass on Turn 5, cruising to a historical victory and championship title under the checkered flag.
Jaws across the paddock drop as the Red Bull garage erupted in elation, with the Mercedes garage silent in disbelief.
Carlos Sainz finished P3 in Abu Dhabi, ending his standout first season at Ferrari.
Checo’s Defense
Verstappen pulled the trigger first, pitting on Lap 13. Hamilton followed a lap later, putting the Red Bull of Sergio Perez in the lead with a single mission: hold off Hamilton as long as possible.
In what was described as a “Minister of Defense”-worthy performance, Perez expertly holding off the seven-time world champion for two laps.
Verstappen duly called his teammate a “legend” for his defense. Perez would retire from the race on Lap 56, following the Safety Car resulting from Latifi’s late crash.
Best of the Rest
Rookie Yuki Tsunoda shined in his highest P4 finish, with teammate Pierre Gasly behind in P5.
The Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas finished P6 in his final race with Mercedes. While Mercedes won the Constructors, the Finnish driver was in disbelief that his teammate lost the WDC.
Alpine secured decent points with both Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon finishing eighth and ninth, behind the McLaren of Lando Norris in P7.
The Ferrari of Charles Leclerc rounded out the points for the final race of the 2021 season.
