The 2021 Formula One season stands as one of the most thrilling and contentious in the sport’s history, featuring a fierce rivalry between Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen. This 72nd World Championship season spanned 22 Grands Prix, culminating in a dramatic finale that saw Verstappen clinch his maiden World Drivers’ Championship, while Mercedes secured their eighth consecutive Constructors Championship.

Season Overview

The championship battle between Hamilton and Verstappen was intense and closely contested throughout the season. Both drivers exchanged the championship lead multiple times, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. The season featured several pivotal moments, including collisions between the two title contenders at the British, Hungarian, and Italian Grands Prix, which added to the mounting tension and drama. Entering the final race in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton and Verstappen were tied on points, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown. 

In the closing stages of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Race Director Michael Masi made pivotal decisions that significantly influenced the championship outcome. On lap 53, Nicholas Latifi’s crash prompted a safety car deployment. During this period, Max Verstappen pitted for fresh soft tires, while Lewis Hamilton remained on his worn hard tires to maintain track position.

As the safety car period neared its end, Masi instructed only the five lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves, deviating from the standard procedure where all lapped cars are allowed to unlap. This decision positioned Verstappen directly behind Hamilton for the restart. Additionally, the race was resumed immediately after the unlapping, without the customary extra lap behind the safety car. These choices led to a final-lap shootout, during which Verstappen, on fresher tires, overtook Hamilton to secure the race victory and the World Drivers Championship. 

Subsequent analysis by the FIA identified “human error” in the application of safety car procedures but affirmed that Masi had acted in “good faith.” The report also highlighted that the unprecedented communication between team principals and the Race Director during the race may have influenced decision-making. 

Key Highlights

• Record-Breaking Performances: Max Verstappen achieved 10 race victories and a record-breaking 18 podium finishes during the season, underscoring his consistency and competitiveness. 

• Historic Finale: The season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was notable not only for its dramatic conclusion but also for being the first time in Formula One history that the championship was decided on the final lap of the final race, with both contenders starting the race equal on points. 

• Regulatory Changes: The season was initially set to introduce significant technical regulation changes; however, these were postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing teams to focus on optimizing their existing machinery. 

Statistical Overview

• Drivers’ Standings: Max Verstappen secured the championship with 395.5 points, narrowly edging out Lewis Hamilton, who finished with 387.5 points.

• Constructors’ Standings: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team topped the Constructors’ Championship with 613.5 points, followed by Red Bull Racing with 585.5 points. 

The 2021 Formula One season will be remembered for its unparalleled competitiveness, dramatic on-track battles, and a championship fight that captivated fans worldwide. The intense rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton not only showcased the pinnacle of driving talent but also set the stage for future seasons of exhilarating motorsport competition.