2021 FIA Formula One World Champion Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium of the Yas Marina Circuit after the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix on December 12, 2021. – Max Verstappen became the first Dutchman ever to win the Formula One world championship title when he won a dramatic season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit on December 12, 2021. The Red Bull driver won his 10th race of the season to finish ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP)
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and his first Formula One title with a last lap overtake on Sunday to deny championship rival Lewis Hamilton a record eighth crown in a race full of controversy.
Hamilton’s Mercedes team won the constructors’ title for an unprecedented eighth successive year but Verstappen, 24, made sure it was not another double.
A dream come true for @Max33Verstappen as he crosses the line in Abu Dhabi 👀
And becomes F1 World Champion for the first time! 👑 🏆#AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/DIF51TL6Sk
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2021
The season-ending race started and ended with an argument — tears of joy on one side and rage on the other, Mercedes furious with race director Michael Masi as the drivers’ title disappeared so close to the chequered flag.
Red Bull had said they needed a miracle to win as Hamilton headed towards the title and a late safety car intervention provided just that opportunity.
With one racing lap to the finish and the Dutch driver on fresher tyres, Verstappen hunted down Hamilton and made the move.
“It’s insane,” said the first Dutch world champion who had started the day on pole position and level on points with Hamilton and whose hopes sank and rose as the stewards intervened.
“This is unbelievable guys! Can we do this for another 10-15 years together,” he had said over the radio.
“We needed a bit of luck and we got it,” said team boss Christian Horner.
Verstappen ended the season with 10 wins to Hamilton’s eight, having also led more laps and taken more poles and podiums.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz finished the race in third place.