It will go down as one of the greatest, and most controversial, moments in sporting history. Max Verstappen clinched his first Formula 1 world title on Sunday afternoon after a quite remarkable final lap in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
You can watch that final lap below. Prepare to be blown away.
MAX VERSTAPPEN SNATCHES THE WIN ON THE LAST LAP!! :cold_sweat:
A FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE RED BULL DRIVER :trophy:
:tv: Sky Sports F1
:calling: https://t.co/TJHGarBsm4
:hash: #SkyF1 ' #F1 ' #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/XyGs0ENZA6
- Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) December 12, 2021
Coming into the race, both Hamilton and Verstappen were tied on 369.5 points each. The latter earned pole position in qualifying on Saturday and well, after lapped cars were allowed to clear the safety cars, both men had a final-lap race.
With the fresher tyres, Red Bull's driver came out on top in controversial fashion.
LAP 58/58
Verstappen passes Hamilton on the final lap!
WOW#AbuDhabiGP :flag_ae: #F1 pic.twitter.com/Js5BseCwZq
- Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2021
MAX VERSTAPPEN. WORLD CHAMPION!!!
A stunning season by an extraordinary talent#HistoryMade #F1 @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/FxT9W69xJe
- Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2021
History maker :trophy: Champion of the World! :crown: @Max33Verstappen #SimplyLovely pic.twitter.com/o0rAY9RaO6
- Red Bull Racing Honda (@redbullracing) December 12, 2021
Verstappen was almost lost for words after his championship win. "It's insane. I don't know what to say. I'm so pleased for the team and for all these guys," he said.
"I love working with them so much. Finally today I had a bit of luck. My team know I love them and I want to do this with them for the next 10 or 15 years."
Hamilton, meanwhile, was humble in defeat. He congratulated his rival and looked back on an incredible year.
Lewis Hamilton congratulates Max Verstappen for his win and reflects on an incredible year :clap::sparkles:
:tv: Sky Sports F1
:calling: https://t.co/TJHGarBsm4
:hash: #SkyF1 ' #F1 ' #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/4TV7WqHICC
- Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) December 12, 2021
:speaking_head:️ "Finally a bit of luck for me."
- Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) December 12, 2021
Max Verstappen reacts to becoming the 2021 World Champion :loud_sound:
:tv: Sky Sports F1
:calling: https://t.co/TJHGarBsm4
:hash: #SkyF1 ' #F1 ' #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/rur7gbq8rq
As you can imagine, the result of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix caused massive controversy.
Toto: "We need to go back to the lap before."
- Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) December 12, 2021
Masi: "Toto, it's called a motor race, OK? We went car racing."
:skull: :skull: :skull: #F1 #AbuDhabiGPpic.twitter.com/yzBabFN3Oo
Congratulations to @Max33Verstappen on his first world championship. He's not to blame for the decisions. He's an absolutely superb driver and gave us the most incredible season.
- Gary Lineker :blue_heart: (@GaryLineker) December 12, 2021
Totto arguing with FIA as Horner watches on. pic.twitter.com/i8MUjvVAd1
- Will Brazier (@willbrazier) December 12, 2021
I don't know what I've just watched but it can't be right. Hamilton's been robbed, surely? #F1
- Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 12, 2021
As for this guy, he's an absolute nut-job but what a brilliant racing driver.
- Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 12, 2021
Whatever your thoughts on what happened, that final lap manoeuvre was just sensational. Congrats @Max33Verstappen - a worthy champion in the greatest ever F1 season. :clap: pic.twitter.com/k1E4DacswE
Thoughts on that race?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Formula One, Lewis Hamilton, F1, Max Verstappen
- 'Human Error' Blamed For Final Lap Drama At Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- Netflix release first trailer for Drive to Survive Season 5, it's going to be the best season yet
- Lewis Hamilton speaks out after clashing with Max Verstappen during Brazilian Grand Prix
- Insane footage shows Las Vegas Grand Prix could be Formula One's greatest ever race
.png)
.png)
