Max Verstappen could secure his fifth world drivers championship in Abu Dhabi this weekend, potentially prompting a knowing grin from Lewis Hamilton. The last time Verstappen clinched a world title at the final race of the Formula One season was in 2021, marking the beginning of his four consecutive championships. This victory was controversial due to an unconventional interpretation of safety car rules by the former race director Michael Masi, resulting in Verstappen’s last-lap overtake of Hamilton for the title.
The 2021 Abu Dhabi race outcome still haunts Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s former boss at Mercedes, who criticized the situation as a loss of control, blaming Masi’s decision for altering the course of history. Despite an FIA investigation attributing the error to human mistake, the standings remained unchanged, leaving Hamilton out of contention for a record-breaking championship victory.
Verstappen’s dominance continued in subsequent seasons, with the odds now favoring Lando Norris, although the Red Bull driver could potentially secure his fifth consecutive title. A victory in Abu Dhabi would solidify Verstappen’s status as one of the greatest drivers of all time, positioning him alongside the elite few with five championships to their names.
His success has been attributed to the superior performance of his Red Bull car in recent years, with the 2021 season being closely contested against Hamilton’s Mercedes. Verstappen’s ability to overcome challenges and secure victories even when faced with odds stacked against him has been a testament to his skill and determination.
As the final race approaches, Verstappen finds himself in a position to clinch the championship if he outperforms his competitors. With Norris trailing by a small margin, the upcoming race in Abu Dhabi could mark a historic achievement for Verstappen, especially considering the performance gap between the Red Bull and McLaren teams throughout the season.
Reflecting on his past victories, Verstappen acknowledged the unexpected nature of his championship fights, highlighting his perseverance and competitive spirit. While the controversy of past races lingers, Verstappen’s legacy as a formidable force in Formula One continues to grow, solidifying his place among the sport’s legends.