Just in: The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains one of the most contentious and talked-about events in … read more
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains one of the most contentious and talked-about events in … read more
That race, which saw Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton battling for the World Championship, ultimately handed the title to Verstappen, but the circumstances surrounding his victory have sparked intense debate ever since.
The final laps of the race were marred by a decision made by the race director, Michael Masi, regarding the safety car situation. When Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers with only a few laps remaining, the safety car was deployed. This set up a scenario where Verstappen, who was trailing Hamilton, had the chance to close the gap to his rival and effectively fight for the lead. However, the controversy arose when the race director made a decision to only allow a partial number of the lapped cars to un-lap themselves before the race resumed. This left Verstappen directly behind Hamilton, despite there being other lapped cars still in between them.
The race was restarted for a one-lap shootout, and Verstappen, who had fresher tires, overtook Hamilton on that final lap, clinching his first World Championship. Many Hamilton fans and critics of the FIA felt that the handling of the safety car situation was unfair and inconsistent with previous race rulings. The decision seemed to favor Verstappen, and there was widespread uproar from those who believed that the rules were bent or applied selectively in this case.
This controversy has continued to linger in F1 discussions, with Hamilton supporters still voicing their dissatisfaction, claiming that the outcome was unjust. They argue that the championship should not have been decided in such a contentious manner, where it appeared that the rules were changed mid-race to ensure a dramatic finish. On the other hand, Verstappen’s supporters and many F1 purists argue that he had earned the right to fight for the title, and that the restart provided him with a fair opportunity to challenge Hamilton on track.
As the years go by, the Abu Dhabi 2021 showdown is remembered not just for the thrilling nature of the race, but also for the deep divide it created among F1 fans, and the lasting impact it had on how races are officiated. With the event marking a significant chapter in the sport’s history, the debate over the fairness of the race and its aftermath continues to this day.
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