Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is the F1 World Champion for the 2021 season after winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen claimed the win by overtaking his direct rival, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, in the final lap of the race. The duo entered the event tied at the top of the F1 driver standings.
Verstappen started the race from the pole position but immediately lost it to Hamilton, who emerged in front thanks to an impressive start. The two drivers were side by side shortly after, with the battle causing Hamilton to get off the track. The seven-time F1 champion managed to return to the first position regardless and held onto it despite Red Bull’s protests that he gained an unfair advantage.
Hamilton was comfortably leading for the better part of the race with Verstappen failing to make up enough ground to challenge him. However, Nicholas Latifi’s crash caused a Safety Car to be deployed on Lap 52/58, and Verstappen used the opportunity to get a fresh set of tires while Hamilton remained out.
The race resumed on Lap 58/58, giving Verstappen one last chance to attack Hamilton. The 24-year-old Dutchman, driving on faster tires, made the most out of it and overtook his rival early in the final lap. He then hold onto the lead until passing the checkered flag before erupting in massive celebration alongside the rest of the Red Bull team.
Despite getting the first through the finishing line, Max Verstappen couldn’t fully enjoy his first F1 title. Mercedes made several protests about the way the last lap unfolded. However, the Formula 1 governing body rejected the protests several hours later, allowing Verstappen to be officially crowned as the new champion.
