If Max Verstappen manages to secure his fifth world drivers championship in Abu Dhabi this weekend, Lewis Hamilton will likely find some amusement in the situation. The last time Verstappen clinched a world title at the final Formula One race was in 2021, marking the beginning of his four consecutive championships, amidst a highly contentious race.
During that fateful event in Abu Dhabi four years ago, a controversial interpretation of safety car rules by the race director, Michael Masi, resulted in Verstappen seizing the opportunity to overtake Lewis Hamilton on the last lap, snatching the world title from the Brit and claiming his record-breaking eighth championship.
Reflecting on that day, Toto Wolff, who was Hamilton’s team principal at Mercedes at the time, expressed his frustration, stating, “I have not felt such a loss of control since childhood. There is one individual who could potentially tarnish the achievements of the greatest champion in history.”
The subsequent FIA investigation in 2022 concluded that Masi had misapplied safety car regulations due to ‘human error,’ yet the championship standings remained unchanged. Since then, Hamilton has not been in contention for a title that could elevate him above Michael Schumacher on the all-time list, while Verstappen has continued his dominant streak, positioning himself for a potential fifth consecutive victory.
If Verstappen secures his fifth championship, it would solidify his status as a contender for the title of Greatest Of All Time, joining the ranks of Hamilton, Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio as one of only four drivers to achieve this feat. His Red Bull car in 2021 was evenly matched with Hamilton’s Mercedes, but in subsequent years, it emerged as the superior vehicle on the grid. Despite facing challenges with car performance and team dynamics, Verstappen’s potential fifth win would be a remarkable achievement.
Heading into the final race at Abu Dhabi, Verstappen trails Lando Norris by four points, with the possibility of clinching the championship if he wins and Norris does not secure a podium finish. Considering the Red Bull’s perceived inferiority to the McLaren throughout the season, this victory would be a standout moment in Verstappen’s career.
Prior to his victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen acknowledged the significance of potentially securing his fifth title, expressing surprise at his continued presence in the championship race. Reflecting on the competitive landscape, he remarked that if he had been driving the McLaren, the championship would have been decided much earlier.
While the events of Abu Dhabi 2021 remain etched in the memories of Hamilton and Wolff, each passing season diminishes the injustice of that day and magnifies Verstappen’s legacy in the sport.