#TBT: 3 years since dramatic 2021 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

A day etched in the memory of every Formula 1 fan. A day when two championship contenders gave it their all. A day that continues to spark debates between Verstappen and Hamilton fans. Today marks exactly 3 years since the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Let’s commemorate the anniversary with a journey back to that controversial day.

F1 & MotoGP news to your inbox every day.

AS IT HAPPENED…

On Sunday, December 12, 2021, Formula 1 fans across the globe gathered to witness a historic season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Two drivers, Max Verstappen of Red Bull and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, entered the race tied on points, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown for the world championship.

Verstappen started on pole after a stunning qualifying lap, while Hamilton lined up second, ready to fight. As the lights went out, Hamilton surged ahead into Turn 1, controversially taking the lead after running off the track. Despite Verstappen's protests, the stewards ruled that Hamilton was not required to give back the position.

For much of the race, Hamilton appeared to be in control, maintaining a comfortable lead. However, drama unfolded as Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Perez, held Hamilton at bay for nearly two laps on worn tyres, allowing Verstappen to close the gap slightly but not enough.

As the laps wound down, Hamilton seemed destined for an eighth world title, holding a 12-second lead with just five laps to go. Then, came the biggest turning point: Nicholas Latifi crashed into the wall, triggering a Safety Car.

Verstappen immediately pitted for soft tyres, while Hamilton remained on his older set, unable to pit without sacrificing track position.

Controversy erupted in the closing laps. Initially, lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen were not allowed to un-lap themselves, effectively securing Hamilton's lead. However, in a last-minute decision, race director Michael Masi allowed five lapped cars to pass, placing Verstappen directly behind Hamilton for the restart.

On the final lap, Verstappen, with much fresher tyres, overtook Hamilton in a dramatic move. The Briton tried to fight back but couldn’t regain the lead. Verstappen then crossed the finish line to claim victory and his first world championship, leaving the world stunned.

That extraordinary final lap of the 2021 title race in full 😮#AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/kknTMDfpAF
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2021

FOLLOWING CONTROVERSY

The aftermath of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was as dramatic as the race itself, with controversy over the final laps dominating headlines for weeks. Mercedes, outraged by the handling of the Safety Car procedure and its impact on the championship outcome, lodged two official protests against the race result.

The first protest challenged race director Michael Masi’s decision to allow only five lapped cars—those separating Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen—to un-lap themselves, arguing it violated regulations that all or none of the lapped cars should un-lap.

The second protest focused on the timing of the Safety Car restart, which Mercedes claimed was rushed and did not adhere to the rules. Both protests were dismissed by FIA stewards, who defended Masi’s authority to manage the race under Article 15.3 of the FIA Sporting Regulations.

Michael Masi, accused of prioritising entertainment over fairness, was removed from his role as race director ahead of the 2022 season. In his place, the FIA introduced a rotating system of race directors and implemented additional support through a virtual control room, similar to VAR in football. Direct team communications with the race director during broadcasts were also banned to reduce external pressures during races.

The controversy split fans and teams. Red Bull defended the decisions, viewing Verstappen’s title as a deserved reward for his season-long performance and praising Masi’s choice to end the race under green flag conditions.

The controversy also divided fans and teams. Red Bull supported the decisions and celebrated Max Verstappen’s title, saying it was a fair reward for his strong season. They also agreed with ending the race under racing conditions instead of behind the Safety Car.

Mercedes, on the other hand, was furious. Team principal Toto Wolff called the decisions “unacceptable,” and Lewis Hamilton stayed silent for weeks after the race, leading to rumours he might retire. He eventually returned for the 2022 season, saying he would use what happened as motivation.

The FIA carried out a detailed review of the race. While they admitted there had been mistakes and confusion with the rules, they did not change the result. Instead, they focused on improving how races are managed to avoid similar problems in the future.

tickets for F1 Abu Dhabi available HERE!