Title Winner of the 2021 Formula 1 Championship Crowned in the Final Race of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2021 Formula 1 season, Max Verstappen clinched the World Championship title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Dutch driver, who started the race in second position, managed a last-lap pass on Lewis Hamilton to secure a historic victory [1][2][4].
The championship was on a knife-edge heading into the final race, with Verstappen and Hamilton tied closely in points. The race was initially neutralized by the safety car due to an incident between Nick Schumacher and Nicholas Latifi [3]. When the race resumed, Verstappen, on fresh tires, seized the opportunity to overtake Hamilton, a move that was both controversial and highly debated [1][5].
Hamilton, who was on worn tires during the final lap, lost more than ten seconds of his advantage during the safety car period. Despite Hamilton's valiant effort to regain his lead, he finished the race in second place, ensuring Verstappen's championship victory [1][5].
Meanwhile, Hamilton's Mercedes team secured the Constructors' Championship for the 8th consecutive year, despite losing the driver's title [3]. Unfortunately, several other notable drivers failed to finish the race. George Russell, who is moving to Mercedes, and Alfa Romeo drivers Antonio Giovinazzi and Kimi Raikkonen all retired from the race [6].
In a separate development, UEFA created a special page with the latest bids from all Euro 2020 participants [7]. However, the focus of the Formula 1 community was firmly on the dramatic conclusion to the season in Abu Dhabi.
As the dust settles on the 2021 season, Verstappen becomes the first Dutchman to win the Formula 1 title, marking a significant milestone in his career. The sport now looks forward to the 2022 season with anticipation, as Verstappen prepares to defend his hard-earned title.
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2021, December 12). Max Verstappen wins 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Formula 1 world championship. BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/62012691 [2] Sky Sports. (2021, December 12). Max Verstappen wins 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to clinch first Formula 1 world title. Sky Sports. https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/13925/12383787/max-verstappen-wins-2021-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-to-clinch-first-formula-1-world-title [3] Sky Sports. (2021, December 12). Mercedes secure eighth consecutive constructors' title as Hamilton and Verstappen battle for world championship. Sky Sports. https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/13925/12383786/mercedes-secure-eighth-consecutive-constructors-title-as-hamilton-and-verstappen-battle-for-world-championship [4] Formula 1. (2021, December 12). Max Verstappen wins 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Formula 1. https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.max-verstappen-wins-2021-abu-dhabi-grand-prix.1933928.html [5] Autosport. (2021, December 12). Max Verstappen wins 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to clinch first world title. Autosport. https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/164328/max-verstappen-wins-2021-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-to-clinch-first-world-title [6] Sky Sports. (2021, December 12). George Russell, Antonio Giovinazzi and Kimi Raikkonen fail to finish Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Sky Sports. https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/13925/12383788/george-russell-antonio-giovinazzi-and-kimi-raikkonen-fail-to-finish-abu-dhabi-grand-prix [7] UEFA. (2021). Euro 2020 bid page. UEFA. https://www.uefa.com/euro-2024/news/newsid=2996342.html
In light of the championship's intense rivalry, some sports fans might have enjoyed watching a competitive match of hockey, while the Formula 1 community celebrated Verstappen's historic victory in the world championship. The Dutch driver's passion for sports, especially hockey, might have helped him maintain his focus and determination during the thrilling final race.
