Unravelling the Controversy of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is inscribed in the records of Formula 1 history as one of the most thrilling and controversial finales ever. This race, held at the Yas Marina Circuit, was the culmination of an intense season-long battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, two of the sport's greatest talents.

The Rivalry

Throughout the 2021 season, Hamilton and Verstappen had been locked in a fierce rivalry. Hamilton, the seasoned champion with 7 world titles to his name, was seeking to secure his 8th championship, breaking Michael Schumacher's record. Verstappen, the young and aggressive challenger, was determined to claim his first title. The season had seen numerous clashes, on-track incidents, and dramatic moments, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown in Abu Dhabi. This race was so crucial to determine the champion because the entire season had been such a close battle between the 2 that both the drivers entered this race with the same amount of World Driver Championship Points at 369.5 points each.

The Race

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a race full of drama and excitement from start to finish. Hamilton started strong, immediately overtaking Verstappen, who had started in pole position, taking the lead of the race early and controlling the pace. Verstappen, however, kept up the pressure, knowing that every second counted. The tension was increasing as both drivers pushed their cars to the limit, demonstrating incredible skill and determination. On lap 53 of the race, the drama began and this is when it got interesting.

The Controversy

The race took a dramatic turn in the final laps. A late-race crash of Nicholas Latifi brought out the safety car, bunching up the field and erasing Hamilton's lead. The race director's decision to allow only a select few lapped cars to un-lap themselves set the stage for a final lap shootout between Hamilton and Verstappen. This decision sparked immediate controversy, with many debating the fairness and adherence to the rules.

On the final lap of the race, Verstappen, on fresher tyres, made his move and passed Hamilton to take the lead and the win. The moment was electric, filled with jubilation for Verstappen and Red Bull, and disbelief for Hamilton and Mercedes. The outcome led to intense discussions and protests, but Verstappen's title was ultimately confirmed.

The Aftermath

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is remembered not just for the controversy, but for the incredible racing and the dramatic climax to one of the most competitive seasons in F1 history. It showcased the very best of what Formula 1 has to offer: speed, strategy, skill, and unpredictability. The race also highlighted the intense rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen, a duel that captivated fans worldwide and brought a new level of excitement to the sport. This race brought about changes in the FIA's regulations which required all lapped cars to un-lap themselves in the event of a safety car in a race.

My Opinion

The sheer drama and excitement of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Watching Hamilton and Verstappen go head-to-head in such a high-stakes environment was truly exhilarating. The controversy only added to the intensity, sparking debates and discussions that lasted well beyond the checkered flag. In this case, I would say that the FIA erred in letting only a couple of cars un-lap themselves between Hamilton and Verstappen, and all the other lapped cars were to remain lapped. This gave Verstappen a chance to close the gap to Hamilton and increase his gap to the cars behind him. This meant that he was saved from the job of defending the cars behind him from overtaking him and could focus on overtaking Hamilton instead, which was not fair to Hamilton. This is why the new regulations had to be implemented to be fair to all drivers. But, in essence, the drama and the suspense of this race kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire race, which is why I love this sport so much.