2021 - Race 22 Abu Dhabi [Archive]

Nitrodaze

6th December 2021, 15:10

I really don't have a problem with 22 races, but the triple headers seem fairly taxing on the teams.

I guess at this point it all depends on the track changes mostly. We know both Lewis and Max will push the cars to the limit, and we know Lewis isn't in recovery mode this year. What we don't know is how the layout changes will impact the teams and drivers.

Regardless of who wins, it's been a really good season with a lot of tight racing up front. I'm sure that there will be a lot of crying and whining no matter who takes the title.

Now if we could only get more of the field into fights this close we would have..... good racing and a lot more accusations of cheating, payoffs, rigging, major internet fits, finger pointing, and controversy in general. BUT.... I'd just enjoy the racing myself, unless it reaches a point of allowing dangerous stuff.

Controversy is what makes F1 racing exciting. There has to be a villain or two, a tight battle. Inter team rivalry and finger-pointing at each other's cars for something or the other. And us the fans splitting into camps arguing the various perspectives of the events.

The main issue this year has been on driving standards. Verstappen has come along from F3 and has brought his F3 antics with him. It is refreshing but sometimes it gets a bit much like in Jeddah. We want to see great racing. But we don't want the drivers to kill themselves in the process. So there has to be a limit and all drivers must keep within that limit as no one driver has a monopoly on dangerous driving.

Then, there are the stewarding standards. We have witnessed some woeful stewarding this season. The feedback from the stewarding of this season has sent mixed messages about what constitutes good racing etiquette. If we have to give a score out of ten, l would say 4/10. The racing director has been crap at his job. I personally think he should be relieved of his duties and sent home.

Fortitude

7th December 2021, 10:20

Hill: I can’t really see what Verstappen did wrong
Paul Velasco
6 December, 2021

While FIA Race Stewards slapped Max Verstappen with two penalties during a riveting but chaotic inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill believes the Red Bull driver did nothing wrong.

The race at the all-new and very daunting Jeddah Corniche Circuit was fraught with controversy, triggered by Mick Schumacher’s heavy crash at Turn 22 which prompted a safety car and then a red flag as marshals cleared up the wreck.

What followed was pandemonium, another two crashes – Sergio Perez and Nikita Mazepin – ending that stint rapidly and, notably, exposing a super-aggressive Verstappen willing to do just about anything to get ahead of his title rival.

Arguably the most contentious point was when, after cutting the track Verstappen was told by his team, under orders from race stewards, to “strategically” allow Hamilton, the Red Bull driver took his time to abide while employing ‘tricks’ to keep the Mercedes behind.

This, of course, was in the wake of Mercedes playing dirty by getting Valtteri Bottas to hold up Verstappen when the pits got busy after Schumacher’s crash. The #77 car crawled almost to its first pitstop blatantly holding up the Red Bull.

Regarding the so-called “brake-test” and incidents leading to the penalties, Hill said: “It will be upon the driver who is letting the other past to do it as safely as possible. But I can’t really see what Max did wrong.

“He may have slowed down abruptly, but I think Lewis was nervous about going alongside him,” summed up the 1996 F1 World Champion.

The vicious circle souring the Verstappen vs Hamilton F1 duel
Dec 7 2021
By Scott Mitchell

A few months ago the suggestion the Formula 1 title fight could turn ugly was dismissed by both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Now they face a winner-takes-all showdown in Abu Dhabi, and the rivalry has soured considerably.

The last truly clean fight was probably in France, where Verstappen passed Hamilton late on to win the grand prix after Hamilton knew he was a sitting duck on old tyres and opted not to fight.

Since then there have been six flashpoints as the championship fight has gradually descended into a bitter, immensely tense affair and the respect and trust has slowly eroded.

The escalation, of course, was the British Grand Prix, where Hamilton hit Verstappen and sent him into the barrier at high-speed.

Hamilton was deemed predominantly at fault and was given a 10-second penalty but Red Bull and Verstappen were outraged and this moment clearly represented a shift in the relationship, as Red Bull attacked Hamilton and Mercedes accused Red Bull of trying to tarnish its driver’s reputation.

https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-vicious-circle-souring-the-verstappen-vs-hamilton-f1-duel/

Max Verstappen is my ‘gladiator’ says Red Bull boss Christian Horner
Red Bull boss Christian Horner has told Max Verstappen to take his one shot at Formula One title glory in Abu Dhabi after praising his “gladiator” drive at the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
By Mark Mann-Bryans
Monday, 6th December 2021, 9:45 pm

Verstappen finished second in an action-packed debut race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit despite being hit with two time penalties totalling 15 seconds.
Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton took the chequered flag after the title protagonists had once again collided on track.

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/other-sport/max-verstappen-is-my-gladiator-says-red-bull-boss-christian-horner-3484715

‘Like being at the local market’: Christian Horner lifts lid on negotiations with FIA
Red Bull were twice asked to hand back a position to Lewis Hamilton in a chaotic Saudi GP
Tom Kershaw
09:37 7th December 2021.

Christian Horner has compared Red Bull’s negotiations with the FIA during last Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to being at a “local market”.

After the race was called to a halt for a second time due to a red flag, Formula 1 race director Michael Masi asked Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley if they would accept moving Max Verstappen down a grid position for the restart.

Verstappen had overtaken Hamilton after the first restart but only by running off the track around the outside and gaining an unfair advantage.

Wheatley effectively asked Red Bull to consider giving back the place or else risk intervention from the stewards, who would have had the power to hand Verstappen a penalty.

The communication between the FIA and the Red Bull director was broadcast live on television.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/christian-horner-fia-red-bull-b1971167.html

Hamilton/Verstappen battle at Jeddah like "rental karting" - Villeneuve
By:Adam Cooper
Dec 7, 2021, 10:21 AM
Former Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has described the battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the Saudi Arabian GP as "rental karting."

The Canadian has also questioned whether the sport is becoming too much of a "Hollywood show."

TV pundit Villeneuve, who was involved in a messy battle for the 1997 world championship with Michael Schumacher, questioned many of the events that unfolded during the controversial Jeddah night race.

"It wasn't F1, it was rental karting," Villeneuve told Motorsport.com. "Everything was wrong. So I'm not sure what to say.

"And it's hard to stay neutral, it's hard to give a comment on what happened every time and be perceived as being neutral. You will always be perceived as taking sides, and that's when it becomes a bit too much.

"Do we want sport and good F1? Or do we just want a Hollywood show? If you want a Hollywood show, today was amazing. But is that what F1 is all about?

"I don't know. I mean, I think today Frank [Williams] would have turned in his grave, seeing this race.

"And then when you see the team principals, everybody is shouting, and putting pressure even on the marshals and so on, that becomes ridiculous. It really has become ridiculous.

"It was great for the fans. So that probably will increase the viewership. Which is great for F1. But we're starting to get away from the sport, that's all. So ultimately, it depends if you're a purist or not."

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/villeneuve-jeddah-f1-battle-was-rental-karting/6859880/

Ralf Schumacher picks side as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton fight for F1 title
RALF SCHUMACHER has opened up on Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton's intense fight for F1 glory.
By Jack Otway
09:40, Tue, Dec 7, 2021 | UPDATED: 09:47, Tue, Dec 7, 2021

Ralf Schumacher is backing Max Verstappen to beat Lewis Hamilton to this year’s F1 Drivers’ Championship. The Red Bull and Mercedes stars are both level going into the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. And it promises to be a stunning weekend of Formula One action.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1532464/Ralf-Schumacher-Max-Verstappen-Lewis-Hamilton-F1-news-Formula-One

Lewis Hamilton v Max Verstappen: Ex-F1 driver backing Dutchman to seal title in Abu Dhabi
By George Dagless
Published: 07 Dec 2021, 10:30

Former Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde says he is totally confident that Max Verstappen is going to win the world championship this weekend in Abu Dhabi.

Certainly, it seems anyone's guess as to where the championship is going to head but former driver Van der Garde is at least backing Verstappen to complete the job:

“I know Max, he’s been fighting for the title all year and stays cool.”

“He’s going to get it.”

“He won there last year. And you’ve seen in Mexico, when you’ve won somewhere you go there with confidence.”

https://www.givemesport.com/1798231-lewis-hamilton-v-max-verstappen-exf1-driver-backing-dutchman-to-seal-title-in-abu-dhabi

"Wily" Hamilton "gives as good as he gets" against Verstappen - Horner
Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale
Tuesday 7 December 2021 07:00

With the accumulation of on-the-edge driving conduct from the Red Bull driver, Horner was asked to respond to suggestions Verstappen 'doesn't care' about other racers when 'flinging' his car into corners.

"I would ask you to look at Lewis' incident in the final corner where he pushed Max off in the same way," replied Horner.

"Any driver that's come through karting, and raced in any category, that is hard racing. That's how these kids have raced throughout their careers.
"Lewis gives just as good as he gets. He's very wily with the way he does it sometimes.

"But look at that last corner where he ran Max out wide there, and there was another corner as well where he has opened the steering wheel and he was into turn one, too.

"These two guys that are fighting over such fine margins, are pushing to the boundaries, if you don't want them to have the ability to run wide, put a gravel trap there."

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/73178/wily-hamilton-gives-as-good-as-he-gets-against-verstappen-horner/

Fortitude

7th December 2021, 10:22

Max Verstappen ‘will do anything’ to beat Lewis Hamilton, says father
Jos Verstappen said that he doesn’t expect a crash but that his son will ‘definitely go for it’
Tom Kershaw
08:40 7th Dec 2021

Max Verstappen “will do anything” to defeat Lewis Hamilton in this weekend’s Formula One title decider in Abu Dhabi.

Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton head into the season’s final race level on points after their acrimonious rivalry peaked in Saudi Arabia last weekend, with a series of flashpoints dominating a chaotic race before Hamilton eventually prevailed.

However, due to Verstappen having won more races this season, a crash that renders both drivers to finish the race in Abu Dhabi would hand the Red Bull driver his first world championship.

Asked whether his son would consider ramming Hamilton off the road, the Dutchman’s father, Jos, a former F1 driver himself, told the Daily Mail: “I don’t think that will happen.

“Max absolutely wants to win. He will definitely go for it. He will clearly try to beat him. He will do everything to get the win, that’s for sure. It will be exciting.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-jos-b1971121.html

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021: Time, TV and title permutations
Date published: December 6 2021 - Henry Valantine

A frantic and entertaining introduction to F1 in Saudi Arabia has set up a dramatic conclusion to 2021 in this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton took victory in a gripping race in Jeddah last time out, with his win and fastest lap point combining to put him level on points with title rival Max Verstappen heading into the final race of the year.

Everything is at stake in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings heading into the race, with Mercedes holding the advantage in the team standings and Verstappen topping the individual table by virtue of having an extra race win over Hamilton’s tally.

The stage is set, then, for the climax of what has been a Formula 1 season for the ages.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix…

When is the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Practice 1: Friday 10 December: 1330-1430 (0930-1030 GMT)

Practice 2: Friday 10 December: 1700-1800 (1300-1400 GMT)

Practice 3: Saturday 11 December: 1400-1500 (1000-1100 GMT)

Qualifying: Saturday 11 December: 1700 (1300 GMT)

Race: Sunday 12 December: 1700 (1300 GMT)

https://www.planetf1.com/features/abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2021-time-tv-weather-live-stream/

Fortitude

8th December 2021, 18:03

Ex F1 Boss Bernie Ecclestone Says Hamilton Is Bullying Verstappen After Abu Dhabi
8 Dec 2021, 17:27 UTC
by Sebastian Toma

In the second-to-last race of this year's Formula 1 season, the fight for the driver's championship title has reached another level. A clash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton made the rounds across the world. Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief of Formula 1, has shared his view with the media.

According to Bernie Ecclestone, it is not just the fans who are upset. In an interview with AFP and quoted by The Sun, Ecclestone stated that both Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton were "bullying Max Verstappen," and the British driver and his team are "not playing fair," as the former boss of Formula 1 told AFP in an exclusive interview.

Long story short, Verstappen was told to give Hamilton his place back after an incident that almost resulted in a crash. Upon receiving the instruction to give the position to Hamilton through the radio, the Dutch driver slowed down, and that caused a collision with the seven-time world champion. Verstappen was then given a penalty by the stewards for causing a collision

Lewis Hamilton had insisted that Verstappen "brake-tested him," while the Dutch pilot stuck to his claim that he simply let driver 44 go past him.

In the interview with AFP, Ecclestone stated that "Max is a kid compared to Lewis, and the worst thing is Lewis has a massive publicity campaign working for him." Ecclestone accused the Mercedes-AMG F1 team of being bullish to Max Verstappen, both on and off the track.

In Bernie Ecclestone's view, Hamilton and his team are also playing a psychological game, not just racing, while this year brought the first car to challenge Mercedes's lead in the championship.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/ex-f1-boss-bernie-ecclestone-says-hamilton-is-bullying-verstappen-after-abu-dhabi-176056.html

MAX VERSTAPPEN
Hakkinen: I don't believe Verstappen 'brake tested' Hamilton
8th Dec 2021, ‎12‎:‎50

The clash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix continues to be a talking point. Mika Hakkinen has called the incident "dangerous", but disagrees with Hamilton's claim that Verstappen "brake tested" him.

Mika Hakkinen admits that the collision between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was "dangerous", but does not believe that Verstappen was trying to brake test his title rival.

The incident happened on Lap 37 when Verstappen slowed to yield position to Hamilton following an illegal overtake. Hamilton was seemingly confused by the situation and ran into the back of the Red Bull driver.

Following a stewards' investigation after the Grand Prix, Verstappen was handed a 10-second time penalty for the incident, though this did not affect his finishing position of second.

https://racingnews365.com/hakkinen-i-dont-believe-verstappen-brake-tested-hamilton

Lewis Hamilton ‘bullying’ Max Verstappen and ‘not playing fair’, Bernie Ecclestone claims
Hamilton has won three races in a row as his title race with Verstappen goes down to the wire in Abu Dhabi this weekend
Jamie Braidwood

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/f1-hamilton-verstappen-title-ecclestone-b1972030.html

Lewis Hamilton v Max Verstappen: Ecclestone criticises Brit & Toto Wolff for 'psychological game playing'
By George Dagless
Published: 08 Dec 2021, 13:00

Our two protagonists go into the final race level on points after a superb resurgence from Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, too, but former F1 supremo Ecclestone thinks that that side of the title fight has perhaps not always played fair in recent weeks:

"Max is a kid compared to Lewis and the worst thing is Lewis has a massive publicity campaign working for him," Ecclestone told AFP.

"They have been pushing down all the time on Max and then the race directors have been looking in because Toto goes to the race director.

"Max has more than a race to confront as he has them too on his back because they are bullying him and not playing fair.

"It is psychological game playing."

"Max has had a few years of racing but has not had years in the streets like Lewis," said Ecclestone.

"It has built character and knowing he would win the race with Mercedes being the dominant force over the past few years has made him a much stronger character than Max.

"For Max, this season is the first one he has had a car capable of winning regularly whereas before it was nothing like competitive."

https://www.givemesport.com/1799133-lewis-hamilton-v-max-verstappen-ecclestone-criticises-brit-toto-wolff-for-psychological-game-playing

Bernie Ecclestone tears into Lewis Hamilton over Max Verstappen treatment
LEWIS HAMILTON and Max Verstappen collided at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday.
By Tom Parsons
11:16, Wed, Dec 8, 2021 | UPDATED: 18:04, Wed, Dec 8, 2021

And former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone believes Verstappen is getting a raw deal from his nemesis.

“Max is a kid compared to Lewis and the worst thing is Lewis has a massive publicity campaign working for him,” Ecclestone told AFP.

“They have been pushing down all the time on Max and then the race directors have been looking in because Toto goes to the race director.
“Max has more than a race to confront as he has them too on his back because they are bullying him and not playing fair.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1533116/Bernie-Ecclestone-Lewis-Hamilton-Max-Verstappen-Formula-One-F1-Red-Bull-Mercedes

Ecclestone: Mercedes bullying Verstappen and not playing fair
AFP
8 December, 2021

2021 Formula 1 World Title challenger Max Verstappen has been bullied by seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team this season, the sport’s former big boss Bernie Ecclestone told AFP ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale on Sunday.

Verstappen and Hamilton are tied on points after a controversy packed Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and Ecclestone believes the pressure by Mercedes “psychological game-playing” has had a significant bearing on the Title race.

Ecclestone – who over several decades transformed the sport into a global multi-billion-dollar commercial giant – said Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff and Hamilton were “not playing fair.”

It certainly appears to have had an impact on the 24-year-old Dutch driver.

Back in July Verstappen had built up a 32-point lead but the momentum is now back at Mercedes with Hamilton driving like a man with an unprecedented eighth World Championship in his sights.

“Max is a kid compared to Lewis and the worst thing is Lewis has a massive publicity campaign working for him,” Ecclestone told AFP by phone from his home in Ibiza.

Max has had a few years of racing but has not had years in the streets like Lewis

“They have been pushing down all the time on Max and then the race directors have been looking in because Toto goes to the race director. Max has more than a race to confront as he has them too on his back because they are bullying him and not playing fair. It is psychological game playing.”
Ecclestone, 91, says if it comes down to mind games Hamilton is in the stronger position: “Max has had a few years of racing but has not had years in the streets like Lewis.

“It has built character and knowing he would win the race with Mercedes being the dominant force over the past few years has made him a much stronger character than Max.

“For Max, this season is the first one he has had a car capable of winning regularly whereas before it was nothing like competitive.”

https://www.grandprix247.com/2021/12/08/ecclestone-mercedes-bullying-verstappen-and-not-playing-fair-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-preview/

Nitrodaze

8th December 2021, 18:47

Fortitude

9th December 2021, 17:39

Max "deserves" title, says Alonso
NEWS STORY
09/12/2021

Two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso believes Max Verstappen "deserves" the 2021 title.

Last weekend we watched as the Spaniard, no slouch himself, looked on in awe as the Dutchman looked destined to take pole only to throw it all away at the final corner.

Heading into the big showdown, two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso, who has seen his own fair share of controversy over the years, says that Verstappen deserves the title.

"It will depend on the package a little bit," he told reporters as the Abu Dhabi weekend got underway, "Mercedes lately have been more performing and they've won a couple of races now, but Max is driving, in my opinion, one step ahead of all of us.

"We saw the lap in Jeddah," he continued, "until he touched the wall at the last corner, that lap was coming from Max, not the Red Bull.

https://www.pitpass.com/71537/Max-deserves-title-says-Alonso

Verstappen says he’ll do ‘whatever’s necessary’ to win first title as he praises strong Red Bull season
09 December 2021

What will Max Verstappen do to win his first ever Formula 1 World Championship? “Whatever is necessary” according to the Dutch driver – although he said any idea of the title fight between him and Lewis Hamilton being settled by a collision in Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale were the invention of the media.

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-says-hell-do-whatevers-necessary-to-win-first-title-as-he-praises.10BRM0ROtPtMDsDQxVpUfx.html

Horner: Verstappen 'wants to win this championship on the track'
TSN.ca Staff
9/12/2021 13:11

https://www.tsn.ca/horner-verstappen-wants-to-win-this-championship-on-the-track-1.1732436

Dec 9, 2021 7:09am PT
Sky Sports and Channel 4 to Broadcast F1 Final in U.K. as Lewis Hamilton Hunts for His Eighth World Title – Global Bulletin
By Jamie Lang, Patrick Frater

RACING
Sky and Channel 4 in the U.K. are partnering to bring Sky Sports’ coverage of this season’s F1 final to the entirety of the territory on both networks simultaneously. It looks to be an historic night for F1 and the U.K.’s highest-profile racer Lewis Hamilton, who could clinch his eighth world title cementing his place at the top of the sport’s all-time winningest drivers. At present, the seven-time world chimp is tied on points with Belgian driver Max Verstappen, meaning that whoever finishes higher at Yas Marina will walk away with this year’s title. The historic race is being billed as Lewis v Max: Decider in the Desert.

https://variety.com/2021/tv/global/lewis-hamilton-max-verstappen-formula-1-1235129810/

Nitrodaze

9th December 2021, 17:57

F1nKS

10th December 2021, 01:54

it is good to see that Masi has relied on some experienced heads for this season finale. The warning from Masi has been strong and stern. As he warns that championship points would be deducted if necessary should anything considered an unfair foul were to happen during the race. We wait to see if they would operate the stewarding service correctly and effectively of course.

So if Max takes pole.

And if hamilton is behind Max going into the first corner and he takes out max (and stewards find Hamilton predominantly at fault), you would agree that Hamilton should be disqualified?

denkimi

10th December 2021, 04:09

Don't worry. Its bottas who will take out max, and perez who will take out hamilton.

Bottas very nearly succeeded in doing that in jeddah already, only verstappen also breaking way to late stopped him from crashing into the back of max.

10th December 2021, 04:27

denkimi

10th December 2021, 05:44

10s penalty is the precedent for that.
It would seem its best not to start on pole then.

Nitrodaze

10th December 2021, 12:10

So if Max takes pole.

And if hamilton is behind Max going into the first corner and he takes out max (and stewards find Hamilton predominantly at fault), you would agree that Hamilton should be disqualified?

It should apply to all drivers regardless of who it is. But it should be fairly determined. Besides, that is not grounds for disqualification. Points deduction is what is proposed in a worst-case scenario.

F1nKS

10th December 2021, 17:45

It should apply to all drivers regardless of who it is.

You would think they would, but as Alsonso said there is a "bias".

But it should be fairly determined.

As we have seen this year there has been nothing fair or consistent with the stewards. So to think in the last race they could somehow be is a pipe dream.

Besides, that is not grounds for disqualification. Points deduction is what is proposed in a worst-case scenario.

“withdrawal of points for the championship” - is just a fancy way of saying Disqualification.

F1nKS

10th December 2021, 17:48

At least through FP1 and FP2 - Mercedes are going to dominate. In FP1, Mercedes was sandbagging it. Unfortunately, it looks like this will be an anti-climatic finish to the season.

Fortitude

11th December 2021, 04:56

FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2021 - PRACTICE 1
10 12 Dec 2021 Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island

https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1107/abu-dhabi/practice-1.html

FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2021 - PRACTICE 2
10 12 Dec 2021 Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island

https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1107/abu-dhabi/practice-2.html

Mercedes “media machine” pushing narrative of “crazy” Verstappen – Horner
2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Posted on
10th December 2021, 16:4910th December 2021, 16:49 | Written by Dieter Rencken and Will Wood

Christian Horner has accused Mercedes of pushing a “clear narrative” against Max Verstappen ahead of this weekend’s championship-deciding race.
The Red Bull team principal also claimed their rivals resent the competition they face from an opponent they regard as “just an energy drinks company”.

The teams and their drivers will duel for both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships this weekend at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton arrived at the circuit level on points, while Mercedes have a 28-point lead in the teams’ points standings.

Horner sees Red Bull in a ‘David versus Goliath’ fight with their manufacturer rival. He said his team’s global clout “pales into insignificance” compared to the size of the Mercedes, despite Red Bull’s significant resources and past successes.

“If you think of the size of Mercedes globally, they must be one of the biggest automotive companies in the world,” Horner said. “The power that they wield with media around the world, I think we pale into insignificance in comparison.”

He referred to comments Hamilton made about his team in a 2011 interview, when he drove for McLaren. “As Lewis Hamilton indeed called us – we’re ‘just an energy drinks company going racing’.”

https://www.racefans.net/2021/12/10/mercedes-media-machine-pushing-narrative-of-crazy-verstappen-horner/

Sky Sports left red-faced as they remove Max Verstappen advert after Red Bull complaint
SKY SPORTS had to stop showing the advert after Red Bull got in touch with them on Friday.
By ALEX MILNE
19:20, Fri, Dec 10, 2021 | UPDATED: 19:20, Fri, Dec 10, 2021

Sky Sports were left with no choice but to pull an advert featuring Max Verstappen following a complaint from F1 giants Red Bull. All eyes will be on Verstappen this weekend as the Dutchman goes head-to-head with Brit Lewis Hamilton in a thrilling winner-takes-all scenario in the last Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi.

But the broadcasting giant's coverage of the race did not get off to the best start after they were subject to an issue raised by Red Bull over one of their adverts.

The advert was played as Sky showed the practice sessions on Friday, and it featured a slow-motion replay of Verstappen's massive crash at Silverstone earlier this year.

The incident, which involved Hamilton, saw Verstappen knocked unconscious, and it was without a doubt the most severe collision of his young career.
As the footage played on the Sky advert, a message bearing the words 'Merry Christmas' appeared on the screen.

Red Bull clearly believed it was not appropriate, and got in touch to get it removed, which Sky promptly did.

A source told RacingNews365.com: "A 51g crash where the driver was air-lifted to hospital being used as a Merry Christmas message is very poor taste indeed."

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1534513/Sky-Sports-red-faced-Max-Verstappen-advert-Red-Bull-complaint-Abu-Dhabi-GP

Nitrodaze

11th December 2021, 08:31

Sky Sports F1 is broadcasting the race free of charge. No excuse to miss it.

THANK YOU SKY SPORTS AND MERRY XMAS!

Nitrodaze

11th December 2021, 11:03

This is a cat and mouse race weekend. Hamilton to do his utmost to keep out of the way of Verstappen's daredevil plunge into the tight spaces at the corners. Verstappen to do his utmost to not let Hamilton disappear into the distance into an easy win. Grip position is key for Verstappen and pole would be his target in order to have the opportunity to manage the pace of the race from the front.

Can Verstappen pull off that magical lap of Jeddah on his second opportunity in Yas Marinas

Even so, it would be an almighty task keeping the Mercedes of Hamilton behind. Let us hope for a clean hard-fought race.

truefan72

11th December 2021, 13:03

denkimi

11th December 2021, 13:07

So perez can take hamilton out at the start, but bottas can't take verstappen out.

That will be a blow to Hamilton's chances.

Nitrodaze

11th December 2021, 13:26

Of course mercedes cant figure out how to respond to the rbr teamwork. Smh they needed both cars out much earlier so hamilton could do what max did. Oh well. Absolutely botched it IMO

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Something odd happened with the two Mercedes there. They went out together but Bottas suddenly dropped back it appears. I would have thought he would try to take the slipstream of Hamilton in front to finish in the top three. But he finished 6th with a Mercedes powered Mclaren finishing 3rd ahead. I think there was something internal to Mercedes that happened during qualifying.

What a lap by Verstappen? Redbull had to think out of the box to find a way to beat Mercedes to pole. Assisted slipstreaming worked a treat. Mercedes has done this in the past. Being Bottas' last race, l wonder if he was reluctant to assist on his last race. Because, it looked very odd the way his lap went. He seemed to not really try to get a decent lap or was l imagining this.

I don't think slipstream alone would account for the Verstappen lap. it was such a huge jump forward. About 0.7seconds jump in performance. I wonder if Redbull has been up to something. There is something off about that. It really made me wonder when he went even faster without the aid of slipstreaming by 0.010. There has to be something else done to the car to produce such speed.

Zico

11th December 2021, 13:43

Well, well, Qualy really couldn't have worked out much better to provide all of us with a total nailbiter finale.
Max on pole and starting on softs which could well come back to hurt him. Should help him off the line but its not on the optimal strategy. Lewis can either possibly get the undercut/overcut or attack max in his final stint on the softs.

Perez may be able to help out in the strategy battle between Lewis and Max but probably needs to clear Lando.. not an easy task.
Bottas disappointing, not be closer to the front to be able to get involved in the strategy game.
I suspect Lando may well be asked to try to help Merc out if he can.

Max must be slight favourite for the WDC right now but we all know that can change in an instant. Just hoping for a clean race and for it to all be settled on track. Strangely, I'm still expecting Lewis to win tomorrow.

Hopefully it turns out to be as exciting as it has set its self up to be. Roll on tomorrow! :)

Zico

11th December 2021, 13:52

I don't think slipstream alone would account for the Verstappen lap. it was such a huge jump forward. About 0.7seconds jump in performance. I wonder if Redbull are have been up to something. There is something off about that. It really made me wonder when he went even faster without the aid of slipstreaming by 0.010. There has to be something else done to the car to produce such speed.

They reckoned the slipstream was worth around 2 - 3 tenths so either it was a totally nailed lap or they have been working very hard on the car.
Up to something? I know Max has fancy new floor that is supposed to help on the straights. Perez tried it at the last race and while it worked, it didn't suit the circuit due to the fast corners. Maybe it works a bit better here. We'll see..

F1nKS

11th December 2021, 13:57

Nitrodaze

11th December 2021, 14:03

They reckoned the slipstream was worth around 2 - 3 tenths so either it was a totally nailed lap or they have been working very hard on the car.
Up to something? I know Max has fancy new floor that is supposed to help on the straights. Perez tried it at the last race and while it worked, it didn't suit the circuit due to the fast corners. Maybe it works a bit better here. We'll see..

I doubt that too. As we would have seen evidence of it in Q2 where they ran the red-walled Super tyres too. The gap of the Super to the Yellow walled Medium tyres was consistent with Mercedes still being faster.

It is going to be a very strategic race tomorrow. Redbull would need the pace demonstrated in quali to nullify the disadvantage of racing a two-stop strategy tomorrow. Mercedes without Bottas in the mix are very disadvantaged, especially with Perez being close enough to have an influence on the effectiveness of Mdercedes' strategy. Right now, it is looking like a Verstappen victory.

But you would be very foolish to discount Hamiton and Mercedes even with this scenario.

The Black Knight

11th December 2021, 14:12

Of course mercedes cant figure out how to respond to the rbr teamwork. Smh they needed both cars out much earlier so hamilton could do what max did. Oh well. Absolutely botched it IMO

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Second is okay. I think Max pulled an amazing lap out of the bag and I don't think the tow was worth enough today. Tomorrow is where the points get handed out and historically starting on second place in Abu Dhabi is just as good as first as the grid spot yields lots of grip.

Zico

11th December 2021, 14:13

F1nKS

11th December 2021, 14:17

Tomorrow is where the points get handed out and historically starting on second place in Abu Dhabi is just as good as first as the grid spot yields lots of grip.

I believe I heard the commentators say that in the last 6 races, whoever was on the pole, has won the last 6 races.

Nitrodaze

11th December 2021, 14:19

Second is okay. I think Max pulled an amazing lap out of the bag and I don't think the tow was worth enough today. Tomorrow is where the points get handed out and historically starting on second place in Abu Dhabi is just as good as first as the grid spot yields lots of grip.

If the tow was worth 0.250sec. it would suggest Verstappen produced the extra 0.5sec from sheer driving. It doesn't add up to me. He is good but not that good.

F1nKS

11th December 2021, 14:22

Re- Point 1. Yep, that did cross my mind at the time, if that is the case, it points to RB not expecting to get pole either but were just able to get closer to perfection while Lewis/Merc just had a mediocre Q3 by their standards.

I think they were hedging their bets both ways. One to give Max a chance to grab the lead on the first lap with the help of soft.

They knew they couldn't count on the SergioTow strategy to work, but it did and Mercedes didn't have their best session (e.g. with Bottas dropping, and Hamilton not improving).

If Lewis does try to 'pit' Max at the first corner he had better be very good at it (like Silverstone) and not wreck his own car... but if he does achieve it, maybe Perez will be given a job to do? Could get really dirty but let's hope not..

Hamilton has been very good at pitting RBR drivers - a couple of times with Albon and Max in Silverstone. He really has nothing to lose.

Fortitude

11th December 2021, 14:34

FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2021 - PRACTICE 3
10 12 Dec 2021 Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island

https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1107/abudhabil/practice-3.html

FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2021 - QUALIFYING
10 12 Dec 2021 Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island

https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1107/abu-dhabi/qualifying.html

AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
11 December 2021

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.live-coverage-qualifying-in-abu-dhabi-2021.2krrLhRgCa9LQgsm5k0s2v.html

denkimi

11th December 2021, 14:35

Both redbulls had the highest topspeed here, so it seems overtaking them shall be no easy task.

The Black Knight

11th December 2021, 14:55

If the tow was worth 0.250sec. it would suggest Verstappen produced the extra 0.5sec for sheer driving. It doesn't add up to me. He is good but not that good.

From the looks of it the tow was only worth about a tenth of a second. RBR just had the better qualifying car. We'll see who has the better race car tomorrow in the race. Once they both get out of the blocks well and it's a Verstappen/Hamilton 1-2 in the first corner I fancy Hamilton. Plus you know there's bound to be a safety car with Mazepin or one of the other dunces.

The Black Knight

11th December 2021, 14:56

I believe I heard the commentators say that in the last 6 races, whoever was on the pole, has won the last 6 races.

Different track layout tomorrow and remember Hamilton started from 2nd in 2014 to win the title.

The Black Knight

11th December 2021, 14:58

Re- Point 1. Yep, that did cross my mind at the time, if that is the case, it points to RB not expecting to get pole either but were just able to get closer to perfection while Lewis/Merc just had a mediocre Q3 by their standards.

If Lewis does try to 'pit' Max at the first corner he had better be very good at it (like Silverstone) and not wreck his own car... but if he does achieve it, maybe Perez will be given a job to do? Could get really dirty but let's hope not..

I'd be very disappointed if there were tactics like that from either team after the season we've had. Until Jeddah I didn't mind who won. But after Max's driving in Jeddah, well I don't think a world champion should be driving like that so overall I'd rather Lewis won. Either way been an amazing season.

truefan72

11th December 2021, 15:03

From the looks of it the tow was only worth about a tenth of a second. RBR just had the better qualifying car. We'll see who has the better race car tomorrow in the race. Once they both get out of the blocks well and it's a Verstappen/Hamilton 1-2 in the first corner I fancy Hamilton. Plus you know there's bound to be a safety car with Mazepin or one of the other dunces.

Yeah. I suppose so. Max did nail that lap though so credit to him.

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F1nKS

11th December 2021, 15:13

Different track layout tomorrow and remember Hamilton started from 2nd in 2014 to win the title.

It could be some Hamilton deja-vu...

Now if Mazespin red flags the race tomorrow...

Zico

11th December 2021, 15:20

I doubt that too. As we would have seen evidence of it in Q2 where they ran the red-walled Super tyres too. The gap of the Super to the Yellow walled Medium tyres was consistent with Mercedes still being faster.

It is going to be a very strategic race tomorrow. Redbull would need the pace demonstrated in quali to nullify the disadvantage of racing a two-stop strategy tomorrow. Mercedes without Bottas in the mix are very disadvantaged, especially with Perez being close enough to have an influence on the effectiveness of Mdercedes' strategy. Right now, it is looking like a Verstappen victory.

But you would be very foolish to discount Hamiton and Mercedes even with this scenario.

As denkimi says.. Both RB's showing fastest in the speed traps, so either a combination of the new trick floor, low downforce, a great lap by Max and a mediocre one from Lewis... or something dodgy. We really have no way of knowing.. but I'd rather not start pointing fingers at them without at least some evidence, other than they were quicker.

Its only Qualy, if they have that same performance advantage in the race, maybe they have made a big move forward... but if there was anything untoward going on, they had better have been cute about it. Merc will have been paying close attention, if they ask for an investigation, I'll maybe pay a bit more heed to that possibility then.

Bagwan

11th December 2021, 16:24

An epic finale .

Who knew it would be so close ?

My bet's on the bunny .

F1nKS

11th December 2021, 19:56

Floz on youtube is making a video chronicling this epic season with Hamilton and Verstappen.

He did the "THE SILVER WAR 2016" between Rosberg and Hamilton. It is a 2 hour documentary on Youtube. He also has a video "Origin of the The Silver War".

He does some great videos on Formula 1.

Nitrodaze

11th December 2021, 20:00

Both redbulls had the highest topspeed here, so it seems overtaking them shall be no easy task.

I agree, they have found something that has unlocked their early-season potential. I think they would be able to maintain their high pace. But l think it may be at the expense of higher tyre degradation. It is very possible that they have sacrificed something for higher speed.

Nitrodaze

11th December 2021, 20:03

An epic finale .

Who knew it would be so close ?

My bet's on the bunny .

A change of tune Baggie. The Mercedes is no longer pulling the wool over everyone's eyes l see.

Nitrodaze

11th December 2021, 20:09

None of the data said that RBR had a chance for pole and if Mercedes was leading after lap 1, RBR had no chance of overtaking. Some excellent strategery by Red Bull to bring some spiciness back.

1. The play to go to soft tires and not to give it away until it was too late for Mercedes.

2. The SergioTOW. Excellent teamwork.

The question now will Hamilton pit Verstappen at the first corner and hope the stewards look the other way because it is "lap 1".

I doubt Hamilton would intentionally swipe Verstappen into the gravel or wall. If it goes wrong he would be handing the title to Verstappen. Seeing how he has driven since Silverstone, he would want to do it cleanly on track. Besides both of them would be watched very closely by the stewards in this race. Any dodgy acts would definitely be met with very stern consequences.

The Sergio Tow did not account for the full advantage that Verstappen produced. I think the car was set up for qualifying and good straight-line speed. How well it would fare in the long stints is yet to be seen. It all comes down to how intelligently Verstappen uses that pace to create a buffer for him to nullify the unavoidable two-stop strategy that Redbull has been boxed into.

With the potential consequential tyre wear of the quali-setup, he would need to find a way to conserve tyre to defend at the closing stages of the race.

It is going to be a fascinating race. Of course, Perez is going to play an important part at some stage. I think Bottas is also going to recover from 6th, hence we may have a battle of the number two drivers at some point of the race.

At some point, both Redbull's are going end up behind their counterparts after their first pitstop. Hence, we would have the situation of a rapid Verstappen catching and trying to pass Hamilton which would be an explosive situation. The same may happen between Perez and Bottas.

F1nKS

11th December 2021, 22:36

I doubt Hamilton would intentionally swipe Verstappen into the gravel or wall.

I don't think Hamilton would do a Senna, but if he thinks the door has been left open he might stick his nose in...

At some point, both Redbull's are going end up behind their counterparts after their first pitstop. Hence, we would have the situation of a rapid Verstappen catching and trying to pass Hamilton which would be an explosive situation. The same may happen between Perez and Bottas.

It would be an epic race to finish an epic year if this comes down to the last few laps with either driver defending to the very end.

airshifter

11th December 2021, 23:08

Well.... that didn't turn out the way many thought it would.

Interesting roll of the dice by RB, and hard to say if they really wanted to go to the soft tire for race start, or if they played the game really well and took us all by surprise. Either way, it took an absolute blazer by Max to put it on pole, and it appears he would have done so without the tow as well.

Plenty of possibilities how the race strategy might play out, and it looks like there is a strong chance that at least Perez might come into the picture. Hard to say how Lando could impact things, as he stated he's not sure if he wants to get in the mix.... but personally I don't see him yielding easy to Perez, so he will be in there at some point regardless. I think he should just go for it and see if he can get a podium, regardless of how it affects the others.

We could all speculate until the race starts. But I won't myself. We have had a year that the two top drivers have had us guessing all year who will come out on top. It just shows how strong the two of them are compared to their respective team mates. And no matter what, history will be made Sunday when we either have the first 8 time WDC, or add another new WDC, with the results of the final race of this part of the turbo hybrid era being the deciding factor. It would be hard to ask for much more unless the WCC was still a tighter race.

At this point I think Merc and Lewis have the upper hand most likely. But that could easily sway in towards Max and RB with safety car issues, and they might have the outright pace to make it work. But either way, it's been a great year to watch the fight at the front.

Warriwa

12th December 2021, 09:16

Race control have already given Max the exact hold time of the lights. I'll wager he'll lead into the first corner. My pulse is already up and the race is still hours away. Keep it clean please Max.

Zico

12th December 2021, 10:49

Race control have already given Max the exact hold time of the lights. I'll wager he'll lead into the first corner. My pulse is already up and the race is still hours away. Keep it clean please Max.

Source? Lol. He's on pole, on softs so I don't think he will need the light timings.

With a different and better tyre strategy Lewis didn't need pole, in fact it wouldn't surprise me if he actually opted for 2nd place in qualy rather than have Max on softs attacking him at the first corner.. and the danger that comes with that. Could be more of a wise move than a mediocre Q3 pace (by his standards).

Lewis/Merc can win this by strategy alone.. and I think they will.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 11:56

If l had my way, l would give both of them joint champions of the 2021 season. But it doesn't work that way. Somebody has to win and there would be a loser. It now comes down to the drivers, pit crew and strategists on the pit wall and the car of course. Any of these components would bring about victory or not. It only takes the weakest link.

Whatever the case, IT IS TIME TO RUMBLE!!!

denkimi

12th December 2021, 12:12

Another bad start for verstappen, he will need to work on that.

But once again weird decisions by the stewards, cutting corners and gaining a place is suddenly allowed again.

But i assume if it was somebody else than hamilton, they would have to give the place back.

truefan72

12th December 2021, 12:13

truefan72

12th December 2021, 12:17

And what is bottas doing? Nothing! Smh

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Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 12:18

Lol Max sove down the inside once again, left no room and effectively pushed hanilton off the track. Then he and Rbr bitching to Masi. Even the stewards agree that max pushed hamilton offf

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They warned that they would be tough on any dodgy moves. Hamilton sort of expected Verstappen to lounge into the apex. That is his trademark move. So he left a gap to ensure he got out of the corner unscathed.

I think the stewards would encourage dirty driving if they allowed that move. So it is clear now that it has to be a move that does not force the other driver off the track. But it nonetheless is controversial but a good kind of controversy.

I really find this group of stewards very respectable.

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 12:23

They warned that they would be tough on any dodgy moves. Hamilton sort of expected Verstappen to lounge into the apex. That is his trademark move. So he left a gap to ensure he got out of the corner unscathed.

I think the stewards would encourage dirty driving if they allowed that move. So it is clear now that it has to be a move that does not force the other diver off the track.

They did the right thing. You can't just torpedo your car into a corner, push another car off the track and expect to gain position. It's a bit of a lesson for Max that was very much needed.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 12:23

How useless is Bottas?

F1nKS

12th December 2021, 12:29

With Max terrible start and he has never had the pace to even stay with Lewis - Lewis deserves first.

F1nKS

12th December 2021, 12:34

What a drive by Perez! He put up a great fight!

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 12:36

We see now how so crap Bottas is. As Redbull benefits from their second car with Bottas driving casually in 4th. Mercedes made a crucial mistake keeping Bottas for this troublesome 2021 season.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 12:36

Nicely done by perez, but i don't think it will change anything.

gm99

12th December 2021, 12:39

We see now how so crap Bottas is. As Redbull benefits from their second car with Bottas driving casually in 4th. Mercedes made a crucial mistake keeping Bottas for this troublesome 2021 season.

Well, as it stands now, Mercedes look set to win both championships, so it can't have been that crucial a mistake,

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 12:42

Well, as it stands now, Mercedes look set to win both championships, so it can't have been that crucial a mistake,

Well, it could have been more comfortable for them. His job is to neutralize Perez, where was he?

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 12:45

I spoke too early, Bottas is back in it now.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 12:46

Sad to see kimi leave like this.

But perhaps its the ending we could expect from the iceman.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 12:59

Why did they not pit hamilton when they saw verstappen come in?

Could be a big strategical error from mercedes again.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 12:59

Have Mercedes messed up here???

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 13:02

Why did they not pit hamilton when they saw verstappen come in?

Could be a big strategical error from mercedes again.

Yes they have given the advantage to Redbull. It would be the last few laps overtake by Verstappen. Verstappen is still good for the title.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 13:03

They have cost Hamilton the driver's title it seens.

Zico

12th December 2021, 13:05

Have Mercedes messed up here???

Doubt it... Lewis still has great pace, but I guess we'll see.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 13:06

Doubt it... Lewis still has great pace, but I guess we'll see.

Those tyres would drop in a few laps and Verstappen would pass. Redbull has outwitted Mercedes.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 13:11

Those tyres would drop in a few laps and Verstappen would pass. Redbull has outwitted Mercedes.
I'm not sure.

If they don't fall off the cliff, hamilton will make it to the end. But it seems impossible to predict those tyres, they could even blow up at the end.

Zico

12th December 2021, 13:12

Those tyres would drop in a few laps and Verstappen would pass. Redbull has outwitted Mercedes.

Max will lose pace towards the end too. I dont know how the deg curves look but Merc will have looked at all the data. They said Max will need to to average 0.8 secs a lap to be able to do it... and he's not atm so I'm not expecting it.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 13:18

Max will lose pace towards the end too. I dont know how the deg curves look but Merc will have looked at all the data. They said Max will need to to average 0.8 secs a lap to be able to do it... and he's not atm so I'm not expecting it.

Verstappen's tyres are 23 laps newer. by the last three laps, Hamilton's tyres would be at the very limit and slower. Anything is still very possible.

Zico

12th December 2021, 13:19

Verstappen's tyres are 23 laps newer. by the last three laps, Hamilton's tyres would be at the very limit and slower. Anything is still very possible.

Yep, Lando's puncture must be a worry for them..

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 13:23

They are taking a gamble that could backfire, Mercedes

Zico

12th December 2021, 13:26

Well, I guess it didn't matter after all and it hinges on it actually restarting... which is also looking doubtful IMO.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 13:29

Congrats to lewis, it took some help from the stewards but he got that 8th title. He is truly the new GOAT.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 13:33

Wow

Tazio

12th December 2021, 13:33

'tifi!! :eek:

truefan72

12th December 2021, 13:34

This is madness. Mercedes are gonna protest. This is unacceptable. I have no words

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The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 13:34

What a load of utter bollocks.

Zico

12th December 2021, 13:34

Pfff... don't quite know what to say!

Congrats Max but commiserations Lewis, that was harsh.

truefan72

12th December 2021, 13:37

Masi and the fia is a disgrace

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Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 13:37

CONGRATULATION TO VERSTAPPEN

What a controversial end to the race. Mercedes put themselves in a vulnerable position worrying unnecessarily about track position. Crap strategists cost Mercedes and Hamilton the driver's title. They f*cked up and gave it away to Redbull.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 13:38

This is madness. Mercedes are gonna protest. This is unacceptable. I have no words

Protest what? Not pitting lewis when they had the chance twice?

Lewis did everything perfect, it's mercedes that has screwed up.

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 13:38

This is not F1 what happened there. They just gifted the championship to Max. I'm actually speechless at this. Masi should never work in F1 again, ever.

F1nKS

12th December 2021, 13:38

Mercedes had plenty of opportunities to pit, strategically they failed. Then bad luck happened with the crash.

Sulland

12th December 2021, 13:40

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 13:40

Mercedes had plenty of opportunities to pit, strategically they failed. Then bad luck happened with the crash.

No the correct process for unlapping cars was not followed.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 13:41

But let us investigate the safety car situation.

It appears all the backmarker did not pass before the safety car was withdrawn. The race appears to have restarted prematurely without following the procedures in the regulations. This was another Masi intervention.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 13:42

This is not F1 what happened there. They just gifted the championship to Max. I'm actually speechless at this. Masi should never work in F1 again, ever.
Its not massi who decided to leave hamilton on old tyres.

F1nKS

12th December 2021, 13:42

No the correct process for unlapping cars was not followed.

LOL, now you want the rules followed. Ya didn't care about the rules during lap 1.

Masi did what they needed to have the climatic finish.

For the Show Masi! For the Show Masi!

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 13:43

Good for the sport to have a new driver champion!!

Today the jury from the stewards tried to give it to Hamilton, but last minute they got to their senses and followed the rules with letting the backmarkers past.

RUBBISH, the stewards did not try to give it to Hamilton. it was one of the fairest stewarding this season.

Zico

12th December 2021, 13:48

Max totally lucked it today, but let's not forget that he would likely have already been champion if not effectively taken out by Bottas in Hungary, so despite the huge luck here I'm going to recognise his WDC as a legitimate one.

Feel really sorry for Lewis though, that must hurt like hell.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 13:49

RUBBISH, the stewards did not try to give it to Hamilton. it was one of the fairest stewarding this season.
Due to their inconsistency they were interfering with the race, once again.

The stewards have been a joke all year long, they were no different today.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 13:49

This is not F1 what happened there. They just gifted the championship to Max. I'm actually speechless at this. Masi should never work in F1 again, ever.

It was a very strange decision to not complete the procedure in the regulations. If they were going to allow lapped cars to overtake, then they are obliged to allow all cars to overtake before starting the race. That did not happen.

It seems someone forced the situation

Sulland

12th December 2021, 13:50

There might be to many from the (former) UK empire in the top management of Formula 1, and stewards!

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 13:51

denkimi

12th December 2021, 13:52

It was a very strange decision to not complete the procedure in the regulations. If they were going to allow lapped cars to overtake, then they are obliged to allow all cars to overtake before starting the race. That did not happen.
It was indeed not the correct procedure.
But whatever they did here, it was always going to create controverse.

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 13:53

LOL, now you want the rules followed. Ya didn't care about the rules during lap 1.

Masi did what they needed to have the climatic finish.

For the Show Masi! For the Show Masi!

The rules were followed on Lap 1. If you knew the rules you'd know that. I would be surprised if Mercedes don't have a case to reverse this result.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 13:53

The Mercedes strategist showed how crap he is today. He should follow Bottas out of the door l think. To make bad call twice is unforgiveable

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 13:53

Either way I think Masi's position is untenable now.

F1nKS

12th December 2021, 13:56

It was a very strange decision to not complete the procedure in the regulations. If they were going to allow lapped cars to overtake, then they are obliged to allow all cars to overtake before starting the race. That did not happen.

It seems someone forced the situation

They did what they needed to do to finish the race. Because that is what F1 is supposed to be about "racing", not finishing behind a safety car.

Mercedes gambled by not pitting Hamilton at the different opportunities they had. Mercedes's luck ended when Latifi crashed.

Sulland

12th December 2021, 13:56

The rules were followed on Lap 1. If you knew the rules you'd know that. I would be surprised if Mercedes don't have a case to reverse this result.

Pls explain what was done wrong in your opinion, and what rules thet apply here?

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 13:56

We wait to see this saga play out. To Masi, Horner says, we only need one lap and he provided the lap. The thing has a funny feeling about it.

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 13:58

Pls explain what was done wrong in your opinion, and what rules thet apply here?

If you leave lapped cars to unlap themselves you must leave them all unlap, not just the ones required to orchestrate a finish.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 13:59

They did what they needed to do to finish the race. Because that is what F1 is supposed to be about "racing", not finishing behind a safety car.

Mercedes gambled by not pitting Hamilton at the different opportunities they had. Mercedes's luck ended when Latifi crashed.

We are all for that, but it must be fair and not appear to be manufactured. I am happy for Verstappen, he gave it his all and drove some magnificent races this season.

Unfortunately, this decision of Masi has cast a shadow on what should have been a magnificent title win. Now it appears manufactured to give Redbull the chance.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 14:00

The rules were followed on Lap 1. If you knew the rules you'd know that. I would be surprised if Mercedes don't have a case to reverse this result.
Going off the track and gaining a place is a 5 second penalty.
Hamilton cut the corner, gained a place but did not get a penalty.
Thus, the rules were not followed.

I can agree with the decision not to give a penalty, but it was once again "à la tête du client" stewarding. But it's been like that all year now.

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 14:02

Going off the track and gaining a place is a 5 second penalty.
Hamilton cut the corner, gained a place but did not get a penalty.
Thus, the rules were not followed.

I can agree with the decision not to give a penalty, but it was once again "à la tête du client" stewarding. But it's been like that all year now.

Max torpedo'd in and pushed him wide. When you overtake the rules require you give a car's width. Max didn't give Hamilton a cars width, and forced him to go wide. He was entitled to keep the place. You can't force a car off the track and expect to gain a position.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 14:03

Mercedes gambled by not pitting Hamilton at the different opportunities they had. Mercedes's luck ended when Latifi crashed.
Well no, hamilton also had the chance to pit then. It was not luck, it was bad strategy from mercedes.

Sulland

12th December 2021, 14:07

If you leave lapped cars to unlap themselves you must leave them all unlap, not just the ones required to orchestrate a finish.

yes, but that did not have an impact on the result,
so what about lap 1 that was the incident in question.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 14:08

Max launched and pushed him wide. When you overtake the rules require you give a car's width. Max didn't give Hamilton a cars width, and forced him to go wide. He was entitled to keep the place. You can't force a car off the track and expect to gain a position.
It can't remember you blaming hamilton when he pushed verstappen on the curbs in monza?

If this situation would be judged like simular cases have been judged throughout the season, this would have been a penalty. But apparently cases get decided by who is involved.

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 14:09

yes, but that did not have an impact on the result,
so what about lap 1 that was the incident in question.
It did have an impact on the result because if they had all been left past the race would have finished under the safety car.

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 14:09

It can't remember you blaming hamilton when he pushed verstappen on the curbs in monza?

If this situation would be judged like simular cases have been judged throughout the season, this would have been a penalty. But apparently cases get decided by who is involved.

Monza was another launch by Max where he was too far back.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 14:11

It was indeed not the correct procedure.
But whatever they did here, it was always going to create controverse.

Well allowing all the backmarkers through would have been a safety car finish, not allowing all the cars through would have made it difficult for Verstappen to win the race but we would have got racing action of Verstappen passing backmarkers but he may not catch Hamilton to win the race. The only way to give Verstappen half a chance was exactly what Masi did. So this is a very questionable decision which leaves everyone wondering what happened here? As that decision only serves to bring Verstappen into contention of winning the title with a clear advantage of having fresh soft tyres. it leaves this season a very clear predetermined outcome. And the indicator of it was Horner saying to Masi, we only need one lap.

The first two options are within the regulation. The latter isn't. The thing that most people are overlooking is that, this part of the rules is not discretionary. There is no allowance in the rule for the racing director or the stewards to apply the safety procedures in this way. The rules only allow overtaking or not overtaking of backmarkers. So there is more to come on this and it could go all the way to the FIA commissions.

Does the regulation matter as long as we have racing enjoyment? F1 is a sport and also an entertainment. But the same is true for Football, Tennis, Boxing etc etc. You would not abide a referee of a football match twisting the rules just to produce a few more minutes of play for entertainment purposes at the expense of the other team

As with most of this season, we now have an invention of a new interpretation of the rules. This is a new precedent as this is the first time this has ever been done in F1. I really hope we have a change of racing director next season.

Masi appears to be corrupt. I don't think l can enjoy F1 racing with such a fellow in charge.

Fortitude

12th December 2021, 14:12

FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2021 - RACE RESULT
10 12 Dec 2021 Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island

https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1107/abu-dhabi/race-result.html

MUST-SEE: Watch the moment Verstappen passed Hamilton to claim the drivers’ title in Abu Dhabi
12 December 2021

He’s been on the back foot, he’s been on the front foot – but when it mattered, Max Verstappen did everything in his power to claim victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, winning it on the last lap with a dramatic pass over title rival Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen had looked set to finish P2 for much of the race, a result that would have seen the title going to Hamilton, who’d jumped the Dutch driver at the start.

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.must-see-watch-the-moment-verstappen-passed-hamilton-to-claim-the-drivers.3biVzXPjpShKLbanBrD2u9.html

Brilliant Verstappen claims maiden title after victory in Abu Dhabi season finale following late Safety Car drama
12 December 2021

Max Verstappen secured his maiden World Championship with victory in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton finishing second as the race ended in a nail-biting one-lap sprint after a late Safety Car. The result, which saw Valtteri Bottas finish sixth and Sergio Perez retire, means Mercedes have clinched a record eighth consecutive constructors’ championship.

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.brilliant-verstappen-claims-maiden-title-after-victory-in-abu-dhabi-season.22Arui4l6BKK2PUsJgKqpZ.html

denkimi

12th December 2021, 14:27

Monza was another launch by Max where he was too far back.
But you didn't think lewis had to leave space then. You didnt think he had to leave space in jeddah.
But now you suddenly feel drivers have to leave space.

Pretty inconsistent don't you think?

Fortitude

12th December 2021, 14:44

Lewis Hamilton blasts Sergio Perez’s ‘dangerous’ driving as Max Verstappen hails Red Bull teammate as a ‘legend’
Metro Sport Reporter
Sunday 12 Dec 2021 1:59 pm

https://metro.co.uk/2021/12/12/f1-hamilton-blasts-dangerous-perez-as-verstappen-hails-him-a-legend-15757558/?ito=newsnow-feed

Max Verstappen wins Formula 1 world championship with stunning last-lap overtake
Sun, 12 Dec, 2021 - 14:40
PA

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates after becoming F1 drivers world champion after winning the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Dec. 12. 2021.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/othersport/arid-40764402.html

Verstappen becomes first Dutch driver to win Formula One world championship title
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Max Verstappen created history by becoming the first Dutchman ever to win the Formula One world championship title after winning the dramatic season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix under the floodlights at the Yas Marina circuit on Sunday.

https://www.gulftoday.ae/sport/2021/12/12/verstappen-becomes-first-dutch-driver-to-win-formula-one-world-championship-title

‘Finally, a bit of luck’ – Max Verstappen reacts to controversial F1 title win
Mike Stavrou
Sunday 12 Dec 2021 2:53 pm

Max Verstappen is glad to have received ‘a bit of luck’ after his controversial win in Abu Dhabi to edge out Lewis Hamilton and claim the Formula One World Championship.

https://metro.co.uk/2021/12/12/max-verstappen-reacts-to-controversial-f1-title-win-15758241/?ito=newsnow-feed

Unacceptable: George Russell slams Max Verstappen F1 championship win
DANIEL BROWN

'THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!'
George Russell has criticised the decision to allow lapped cars to overtake the safety car, which subsequently allowed Max Verstappen to overtake Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen won his first ever F1 World Drivers' Championship after overtaking Hamilton on the final lap of the race, much to the frustration of the Brit and Mercedes.

https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/unacceptable-george-russell-slams-max-verstappen-f1-championship-win-305892

‘THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!’ George Russell, Mercedes boss rage over shocking last-lap call in Abu Dhabi
Verstappen overtakes to lead on last lap
Max Laughton from Fox Sports@maxlaughton
December 13th, 2021 2:12 am

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff was scathing of F1 race director Michael Masi after his decisions in the final laps enabled Max Verstappen to pass Lewis Hamilton and become world champion.

And future Mercedes driver George Russell leapt to criticise the decision-making on social media.

In the most controversial finish to a championship ever seen, a safety car on lap 53 of 58 saw Verstappen pit for soft tyres and remain second, but in the actual running order due to lapped cars, sit at least five or six cars back of Hamilton

Initially it was determined that lapped cars could not overtake the safety car but on lap 57, the cars between Hamilton and Verstappen were told they could, putting Verstappen directly behind his rival for a one-lap dash to the finish.

Hamilton was a sitting duck on his old hard tyres and was duly passed by the Dutchman, who held off a last-ditch dive to claim his first world title.

But as the decision was made Wolff was on the radio to Masi, proclaiming “this isn’t right”.

Wolff: “You need to reinstate the lap before (57, where Hamilton led, as the finish). That’s not right.”

Masi: “Toto? It’s called a motor race, OK?”

Wolff: “Sorry?”

Masi: “We went car racing.”

George Russell, who retired from his final race at Williams and will replace Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes next season, declared the late call was “absolutely unacceptable”.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-2021-ending-to-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-reaction-unacceptable-safety-car-toto-wolff-george-russell-lewis-hamilton-max-verstappen/news-story/b65251e9a3cdf194e82f8706413f975f

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff blasts ‘unacceptable’ decision as Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to F1 title
A late safety car caused chaos at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Verstappen beat Hamilton to the title on the final lap of the season
Jamie Braidwood

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has called the decision to turn the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix into a one-lap shootout for the title as “unacceptable” in a heated exchange with race director Michael Masi.

Max Verstappen won his maiden F1 championship in dramatic and unbelievable style as the Red Bull driver passed title rival Lewis Hamilton on the last lap of the race after benefiting from a late safety car.

Nicholas Latifi’s crash into the wall with four laps of the season-deciding race to go proved decisive, as it gave Verstappen the opportunity to pit for fresh soft tyres and line up behind Hamilton as the green flag waved.

“Michael, you need to reinstate the previous lap. That was unacceptable,” Wolff said on the team radio. “That is not right.”

In response, Masi hit back by arguing: “Toto, that is called motor racing.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/f1-result-verstappen-hamilton-last-lap-b1974550.html

Verstappen is champion as controversial last-lap call leaves Mercedes seething
2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix summary
Posted on
12th December 2021, 15:0012th December 2021, 15:31 | Written by RJ O'Connell

Max Verstappen has won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and clinched the 2021 Formula 1 world championship in a sensational conclusion to the season.

On the final lap, he made the lunge of his racing life to take the lead at turn five. Hamilton had one final chance to slipstream past and take the lead around the outside of turn nine, but could not take the position back, and Verstappen drove away to the race victory and his first drivers’ championship.

Mercedes’ team principal Toto Wolff was immediately on the radio to race director Michael Masi to complain about the last-lap decision. “Toto, it’s called a motor race,” Masi responded. “Okay? We went car racing.”

https://www.racefans.net/2021/12/12/verstappen-is-champion-as-controversial-last-lap-call-leaves-mercedes-seething/

Max Verstappen: 'Mad Max' evolves into Formula One world champion
Formula One's latest world champion Max Verstappen has developed into a top driver, as his stunning win in Abu Dhabi proves. The Dutchman is anything but tame, though.

https://www.dw.com/en/max-verstappen-mad-max-evolves-into-formula-one-world-champion/a-60093395

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 14:48

But you didn't think lewis had to leave space then. You didnt think he had to leave space in jeddah.
But now you suddenly feel drivers have to leave space.

Pretty inconsistent don't you think?

No he didn't have to leave space as he was ahead and owned the corner in both incidents, so no, not inconsistent.

Mercedes have lodged two appeals and I think they have a case especially around the unlapping procedure.

Zico

12th December 2021, 14:59

I have to agree that they should either have let all the cars through or none at all... nearly all of them was not right, especially for the other teams affected by that.

I guess this is what happens when F1 is run by Americans... the 'show' , the controversy and drama is far more important for viewing figures than the finer details and perceived fairness. Not that F1 ever has been fair... it's just even less so now.

That said, I do fully recognise Max as the legitimate WDC, even if it was decided in a bit of a farcical way.

A big shout out to Lewis for behaving in such a dignified manner post race, it left me very impressed.
There is a fair chance he may not get the opportunity at another title with Russell beside him.. and especially if Merc are no longer dominant. He has had a great run though, 7 WDC's is still an outstanding achievement. Sure, he has Merc to thank for most of these for providing such a dominant car, but still.. huge respect for what he has achieved. A true great in the sport without a shadow of a doubt.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 15:04

No he didn't have to leave space as he was ahead and owned the corner in both incidents, so no, not inconsistent.

Mercedes have lodged two appeals and I think they have a case especially around the unlapping procedure.

The other problem of the decision is that they effectively unfairly reordered the positions that those cars that overtook as instructed, at the finish of the race. As they would now end up behind the tail end of the grid when they cross the finish line and losing effectively up to three positions. Which would put the racing director in a situation where he would need to determine the order of the finish not based on how the cars cross the finish line which is the way the regulations say classification for points allocation is determined. But by amending the classification based on his orders.

So the likes of Norris, Alonso, Leclerc, Ocon and Vettel may lose out because they would cross the finish line behind those cars behind Verstappen who they were ahead of. If the rules were applied correctly.

Mind you, all drivers behind the lead car are classified in the position that they cross the finish line after the winning car has taken the chequered flag. Which those cars that were instructed to overtake would only do before those cars behind Verstappen [before he overtook Hamilton] would have crossed the finish line. Of course, that would be the case if these cars has not been lapped by these five cars [ Norris, Alonso, Leclerc, Ocon and Vettel ]

Therefore the actual classification ought to be

Verstappen
Hamilton
Ricciardo
Stroll
Schumacher
then the five cars that were instructed to overtake.

There is more to come.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 15:10

No he didn't have to leave space as he was ahead and owned the corner in both incidents, so no, not inconsistent.

then why do you think verstappen had to leave space here? he was on the inside, ahead and within track limits.

i would like to have the rule of leaving space applied and enforced, because it would make overtaking a lot easier. but sadly the fia thinks differently, and has done so for a long time.

Bagwan

12th December 2021, 15:13

Well , I hated that .
That wasn't fair .

There was a moment when I thought they had a reasonable compromise remedy to the situation , which was to leave the back markers where they were , but then they changed their minds .
Even calling a red flag with 3 laps to go could have worked as putting them together might have had them on equal tires for two laps .

But , at that point Merc would have been keeping Lewis out simply because under normally followed procedures the race would have finished under the safety car at that point .

They "went racing" , but they did it in a way that had never been done before .

They did it a way that made it a no contest race . Lewis had no chance .

gm99

12th December 2021, 15:13

denkimi

12th December 2021, 15:20

The other problem of the decision is that they effectively unfairly reordered the positions that those cars that overtook as instructed, at the finish of the race. As they would now end up behind the tail end of the grid when they cross the finish line and losing effectively up to four positions. Which would put the racing director in a situation where he would need to determine the order of the finish not based on how the cars cross the finish line which is the way the regulations say classification for points allocation is determined. But by amending the classification based on his orders.

So the likes of Norris, Alonso, Leclerc, Ocon and Vettel would lose out because they would cross the finish line behind those cars behind Verstappen who they were ahead of. If the rules were applied correctly.

There is more to come.
that is always the case, lapped cars can finish earlier than the ones in front of them. in the standings, nothing has changed, they just are classified as in the same lap, while the ones who didn't get to overtake are classiefied as lapped.

the only thing this could have changed is if there were direct fights between someone who was allowed to unlap and someone who wasn't. but i don't think that was the case here.

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 15:20

then why do you think verstappen had to leave space here? he was on the inside, ahead and within track limits.

i would like to have the rule of leaving space applied and enforced, because it would make overtaking a lot easier. but sadly the fia thinks differently, and has done so for a long time.

This is going around in circles, if you don't understand I am unsure why you watch the sport. The answer is because you can't plough someone off the track to gain position.

Zico

12th December 2021, 15:22

I feel a bit sorry for Lewis as he did everything right today. His team though didn't.
Either driver would have been a worthy champion this year.

The restart would always favour one of the championship contenders no matter how it is decided. Maybe it would have been better to red flag the race, let everyone change their tyres and then have them battle it out over five laps after a standing start.

Agreed 100%, that would have been infinitely fairer.

Fortitude

12th December 2021, 15:22

Toto Wolff refusing interviews after Max Verstappen's final-lap win over Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff declined interviews after witnessing Max Hamilton edge out Lewis Hamilton to win the Formula 1 championship under controversial circumstances
By Freddie Keighley
Digital Sports Reporter
15:42, 12 Dec 2021

A despairing Toto Wolff was left with his head in his hands after Max Verstappen snatched the Formula 1 championship from Lewis Hamilton 's grasp on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Mercedes team principal refused to speak to the press in the immediate aftermath of the race as his team combed over the sport's rules and lodged a formal protest following late controversy at Yas Marina.

Verstappen, 24, won his maiden title under the most dramatic circumstances, capitalising on a late safety car to pass his rival on the final lap.
Hamilton, 36, had an 11-second lead and appeared to be cruising to a record-breaking eighth championship prior to Nicholas Latifi's serious crash with five laps remaining.

Verstappen used the yellow flag to change onto a fresh set of soft tyres and overtook the Brit once the safety car withdrew to send the Red Bull team and principal Christian Horner into frenzy.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/wolff-max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-25678466

Mercedes lodge protest over controversial Verstappen victory
Ewan Gale
Sunday 12 December 2021 15:44 - Updated: 15:58

Mercedes has lodged a protest with the FIA over the race classification and a breach of the sporting regulations after a controversial end to the 2021 F1 world championship.

Max Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after confusion under safety car conditions, triggered by a Nicholas Latifi crash, ahead of the last lap.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/73467/mercedes-lodge-protest-over-controversial-verstappen-victory/

Mercedes launch two official protests following Max Verstappen title win
DANIEL BROWN

One of the protests is against Max Verstappen
Mercedes have launched two protests after Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Drivers' Championship in controversial fashion, as per Sky Sports.

https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/mercedes-launch-two-official-protests-following-max-verstappen-title-win-305903

Mercedes protests Abu Dhabi result and Verstappen’s driving
By Scott Mitchell

https://the-race.com/formula-1/mercedes-protests-abu-dhabi-result-and-verstappens-driving/

Mercedes lodge protests against Verstappen and Red Bull
Mercedes and Red Bull are off to the stewards, after the team lodged two separate protests against Max Verstappen.
Author Thomas Maher

https://racingnews365.com/mercedes-lodge-protest-against-max-verstappen-and-red-bull

IGNORED
Race director Michael Masi’s blunt response to Toto Wolff’s complaints about dramatic conclusion to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which saw Max Verstappen overtake Lewis Hamilton to win Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship
Michael Benson
12th December 2021, 3:47 pm
Updated: 12th December 2021, 3:47 pm

Masi’s decision set up the dramatic final lap showdown and led to Verstappen’s victory.

As Red Bull celebrated their man’s victory, Mercedes boss Wolff complained over the radio: “You need to reinstate the lap before, that’s not right.”

Masi bluntly told him in response: “Toto, it’s called a motor race. We went car racing.”

https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/1001166/

Christian Horner thanks ‘racing gods’ for Max Verstappen’s F1 title win after Abu Dhabi drama
Max Verstappen won the most dramatic of races after the intervention of the safety car
Sports Staff

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner thanked the racing gods after Max Verstappen fought back to win a dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from Lewis Hamilton on the final lap and clinch his first world championship.

Nicholas Latifi’s crash with five laps to go brought out the safety car, which meant Verstappen could not only close the 12-second gap to race leader Hamilton but also take the opportunity to change to fresh tyres for the finale.

Race director Michael Masi then allowed some of the lapped cars that were between Verstappen and Hamilton to overtake the safety car, much to the fury of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, meaning the Red Bull was right behind the Mercedes when the race restarted with one lap to go.

From there, Verstappen was able to quickly overtake Hamilton and hold on to win the race, and the title.

“It was going to need something from the racing gods,” said Horner. “The stewards, we felt hard done by [after first lap incident] but they did a great to get the race going again. Credit to Lewis, he’s been phenomenal and that makes the victory even more more valid.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/christian-horner-max-verstappen-abu-dhabi-b1974562.html

Max Verstappen 'wants to stay with Red Bull for life' following F1 title win
DANIEL BROWN

The Dutchman was understandably ecstatic with his triumph, claiming that he 'loves' his team and that he wants to remain with them for the rest of his career.

"I'm so happy. Our goal was to win this championship when we came together and we have done that," said Verstappen.

"My team know I love them. I hope we can do this for 10, 15 years together.

"I don't want to change ever. I want to stay with them for the rest of my life, if they will have me.

https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/max-verstappen-wants-to-stay-with-red-bull-for-life-following-f1-title-win-305896

denkimi

12th December 2021, 15:22

Even calling a red flag with 3 laps to go could have worked as putting them together might have had them on equal tires for two laps .

this.

that was the only thing they could have done that would have been reasonably fair. Put the whole grid on softs and let them race for 3 laps.

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 15:22

I feel a bit sorry for Lewis as he did everything right today. His team though didn't.
Either driver would have been a worthy champion this year.

The restart would always favour one of the championship contenders no matter how it is decided. Maybe it would have been better to red flag the race, let everyone change their tyres and then have them battle it out over five laps after a standing start.

Red flag would have been fair or leave the unlapped cars between them. What they did was embarrassing for the sport. As I said, I don't think Masi's position is tenable anymore. This was a colossal fuck up.

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 15:29

Both drivers have been brilliant and really all I wanted today was to see both drivers slug it out and it win fairly on track. This after race protest doesn't benefit anyone. Now we are left with a sport that can't implement his own rules. Max was also ahead under the safety car which he went alongside to compromise Lewis line for the restart. By the rules both protests should be successful and a 5 second penalty applied to Lewis or the race result reversed to the safety car start. Mercedes have taken a Barrister into the Stewards room with them. I think they would be well within their rights to take this to the international court of appeal

denkimi

12th December 2021, 15:31

This is going around in circles, if you don't understand I am unsure why you watch the sport. The answer is because you can't plough someone off the track to gain position.
this isn't going in circles. i'm just trying to make you realise you are not being objective by pointing out how you judge 2 nearly identical cases completely different based on how is involved.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 15:34

that is always the case, lapped cars can finish earlier than the ones in front of them. in the standings, nothing has changed, they just are classified as in the same lap, while the ones who didn't get to overtake are classiefied as lapped.

the only thing this could have changed is if there were direct fights between someone who was allowed to unlap and someone who wasn't. but i don't think that was the case here.

Some of the cars that were asked to overtake had not been previously lapped. That argument only applies if the cars had been previously lapped by the lead cars.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 15:37

denkimi

12th December 2021, 15:40

Some of the cars that were asked to overtake had not been previously lapped. That argument only applies if the cars had been previously lapped by the lead cars.
if they were not lapped, then how could hamilton have ended up in front of them?

Fortitude

12th December 2021, 16:09

Toto Wolff refuses to meet Christian Horner and shake hands after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
TOTO WOLFF left fuming after FIA decision in Abu Dhabi.
By CLAIRE COTTINGHAM
15:46, Sun, Dec 12, 2021 | UPDATED: 16:34, Sun, Dec 12, 2021

According to Sky Sports after the race, Wolff had squirreled himself away in the Mercedes office to check through data and regulations, after fuming on the radio to Masi as Verstappen sealed the deal at Yas Marina.

Horner was seen outside of the Mercedes motorhome, after reports he had asked to see Wolff to shake his hand but was turned away, as moments later it was revealed Mercedes have lodged a protest to the FIA regarding the end of the race.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1535081/Toto-Wolff-retreats-Mercedes-office-Christian-Horner-handshake-offer-refused

Toto Wolff refusing interviews after Max Verstappen's final-lap win over Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff declined interviews after witnessing Max Hamilton edge out Lewis Hamilton to win the Formula 1 championship under controversial circumstances
By Freddie KeighleyDigital Sports Reporter
• 15:42, 12 Dec 2021

The Mercedes team principal refused to speak to the press in the immediate aftermath of the race as his team combed over the sport's rules and lodged a formal protest following late controversy at Yas Marina.

Over in the Mercedes garage, a shellshocked Wolff could not stomach what he had just witnessed and walked out of view before launching into a scathing attack of FIA chiefs.

The German was furious with race director Michael Masi for allowing the lapped cars separating Hamilton and Verstappen to overtake the safety car, giving the Dutchman a free run at the leader.

"You need to reinstate the lap before, that's not right," Wolff said on the radio before Masi hit back by reminding the Mercedes boss, "It's called a motor race - we went car racing."

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/wolff-max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-25678466

Wolff compares Horner to driver going wrong way on autobahn
Reuters
December 12, 202111:55 AM GMTLast Updated 5 hours ago

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff compared Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner to a man driving the wrong way down an autobahn as both bosses braced for Formula One's title decider in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Horner on Friday framed the battle between his Dutch driver Max Verstappen and Wolff's seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton as pitting a 'young lad' against a "Mercedes media machine" that depicted him as 'Mad Max'.

Wolff, an Austrian, said he was reminded of a joke about the caller who rang a radio station after an alert warned of someone driving down the autobahn against the traffic.

"One? There's hundreds of them," said the caller.

"So I think it's the media machine or its everybody who commented on the driving and was pretty much of the same opinion," said Wolff.
Verstappen, level on points with Hamilton but ahead 9-8 on race wins, goes into the final race of the season on pole position.

https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/wolff-compares-horner-driver-going-wrong-way-autobahn-2021-12-11/?rpc=401&

Damon Hill points finger at Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton suffers F1 title heartbreak
Former F1 champion Damon Hill has claimed that Mercedes' conservative approach to Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cost Lewis Hamilton a record-breaking eighth world title
By Dan Marsh
• 16:28, 12 Dec 2021
• UPDATED16:48, 12 Dec 2021

Former F1 champion Damon Hill slammed Mercedes' "conservative" approach after Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the world title by Red Bull rival Max Verstappen in dramatic fashion.

Hamilton had led for the majority of the race after making a dream start in the first lap, nudging past Verstappen, who started the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in pole position.

But the introduction of a safety car late in the race presented the opportunity for Verstappen to outgun Hamilton in an enthralling one-lap shootout to clinch his first-ever world title.

And Hill blasted Mercedes' cautious gameplan after Hamilton was denied what would have been a record-breaking eighth title.

“Red Bull took the gamble," Hill told Sky Sports. "Mercedes were conservative.”

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/damon-hill-slams-mercedes-hamilton-25678702

Geri Horner looks chic in all-white while gushing over husband Christian as his Red Bull driver Max Verstappen wins Formula 1 World Championship at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
By ELLIE PHILLIPS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 16:25, 12 December 2021 | UPDATED: 16:32, 12 December 2021

Her husband is the Red Bull team principal.

And, Geri Horner looked chic in all-white while gushing over Christian as his Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won the Formula 1 World Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, on Sunday.

Appearing on Sky Sports, the Spice Girl, 49, beamed with excitement and spoke of her 'pride' after her husband's, 48, history-making success, branding him 'the best team principal'.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10301689/Geri-Horner-looks-chic-white-gushing-husband-Christian-Abu-Dhabi-Grand-Prix.html

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 16:13

if they were not lapped, then how could hamilton have ended up in front of them?

Actually, you are right they were all been lapped.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 16:14

What Mercedes are protesting

Verstappen

Article 48.8: "With the exception of the cases listed under a) to h) below, no driver may overtake another car on the track, including the safety car, until he passes the Line (see Article 5.3) for the first time after the safety car has returned to the pits."

Classification

"If the clerk of the course considers it safe to do so, and the message "LAPPED CARS MAY NOW OVERTAKE" has been sent to all teams Competitors via the official messaging system, any cars that have been lapped by the leader will be required to pass the cars on the lead lap and the safety car.

"This will only apply to cars that were lapped at the time they crossed the Line at the end of the lap during which they crossed the first Safety Car line for the second time after the safety car was deployed. Having overtaken the cars on the lead lap and the safety car these cars should then proceed around the track at an appropriate speed, without overtaking, and make every effort to take up position at the back of the line of cars behind the safety car.

"Whilst they are overtaking, and in order to ensure this may be carried out safely, the cars on the lead lap must always stay on the racing line unless deviating from it is unavoidable. Unless the clerk of the course considers the presence of the safety car is still necessary, once the last lapped car has passed the leader the safety car will return to the pits at the end of the following lap."

WUff1

12th December 2021, 16:23

[COLOR="#B22222"]Damon Hill points finger at Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton suffers F1 title heartbreak
Former F1 champion Damon Hill has claimed that Mercedes' conservative approach to Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cost Lewis Hamilton a record-breaking eighth world title
By Dan Marsh
• 16:28, 12 Dec 2021
• UPDATED16:48, 12 Dec 2021

Former F1 champion Damon Hill slammed Mercedes' "conservative" approach after Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the world title by Red Bull rival Max Verstappen in dramatic fashion.

Hamilton had led for the majority of the race after making a dream start in the first lap, nudging past Verstappen, who started the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in pole position.

But the introduction of a safety car late in the race presented the opportunity for Verstappen to outgun Hamilton in an enthralling one-lap shootout to clinch his first-ever world title.

And Hill blasted Mercedes' cautious gameplan after Hamilton was denied what would have been a record-breaking eighth title.

“Red Bull took the gamble," Hill told Sky Sports. "Mercedes were conservative.”

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/damon-hill-slams-mercedes-hamilton-25678702

Damon Hill was right

Bagwan

12th December 2021, 16:23

The drivers behind Max , who were not allowed past the front runners , had no chance at all to make it higher than 7th in that last lap .

A protest of the results should be made for all of them .

I would not have wanted to be Masi in that moment , as I'm sure his intentions were just to finish the race with them racing , but they lost sight of how the shift in procedure would affect the balance of the battle in that last lap .

It became a duel where only one of them had a gun .

An all out effort to finish the story with a bang ended up with them completely missing the plot .
I'd rather see it end under the safety car than see it end like that .

Zico

12th December 2021, 16:38

Is it legally possible to overturn this result.. or are the FIA really the Judge, jury and jailor?

Such a thing would be equally as controversial and damaging for the sport.

Fortitude

12th December 2021, 16:43

Verstappen follows destiny to become Formula One world champion
Issued on: 12/12/2021 - 16:52

Paris (AFP) – From the moment that Max Verstappen joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2014, there was an inevitability that he would one day become Formula One world champion.

That it came in the shape of a sensational last lap sprint in Abu Dhabi on Sunday which toppled seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton from his throne will make it even sweeter to the 24-year-old, the first Dutchman to wear the crown.

"My goal when I was little was to be a Formula One driver," said Verstappen after the finish in Abu Dhabi.

"You dream of podiums and victories. But when they tell you that you are world champion, it's incredible."

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211212-verstappen-follows-destiny-to-become-formula-one-world-champion

Overjoyed Max Verstappen reflects on ‘incredible’ championship win and reserves praise for Lewis Hamilton
Verstappen clinched the 2021 F1 title in the final lap at Abu Dhabi, while Hamilton was left to rue a late safety car

Verstappen celebrates his race victory and championship triumph

Max Verstappen branded his last-lap World Championship victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix “unbelievable” after he snatched the title from Lewis Hamilton in dramatic fashion.

Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the last lap following a controversial ruling while the race was yellow flagged late on, and stormed to take maximum points ahead of the Brit.

“It’s unbelievable. Throughout the whole race I kept fighting then there was the opportunity in the last lap, it’s incredible,” said Verstappen.
“I don’t know what to say. My team and Honda deserve it. Finally a bit of luck for me. I also want to say thank you to Checo (Sergio Perez), he’s been a brilliant team-mate.

“My team know I love them I hope we can do this for 10, 15 years together. I don’t want to change ever. I want to stay with them for the rest of my life, if they will have me.

“I’m so happy. Our goal was to win this championship when we came together and now we have done that.”

Verstappen’s title triumph will go down as one of the most remarkable in F1 history, coming as it did in the final lap of the final race.

https://inews.co.uk/sport/formula-one/overjoyed-max-verstappen-reflects-on-incredible-championship-win-and-reserves-praise-for-lewis-hamilton-1349028?ITO=newsnow

Max Verstappen, 24, and his model girlfriend Kelly Piquet, 33, share emotional embrace as he triumphs against Lewis Hamilton at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
By Owen Tonks For Mailonline
Published: 17:06, 12 December 2021 | Updated: 17:21, 12 December 2021

Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet shared an emotional embrace after he won his first F1 world championship at Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

The racing driver, 24, snatched Lewis Hamilton's eighth victory after he overtook the Brit on the final lap of a thrilling and controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Belgian-Dutch sportsman Max could be seen hugging his model and girlfriend Kelly, 33, after stepping out of his car at the end of the race.
She looked overwhelmed as she made her way to her partner to congratulate him on his triumph.

Max's win came after Lewis led the entire race and was in total control after overtaking the Red Bull driver at the first corner, but a controversial safety car gave the Dutchman the opportunity to snatch the title away.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10301745/Max-Verstappen-model-girlfriend-Kelly-Piquet-hug-Abu-Dhabi-Grand-Prix-win.html

Max says Mercedes protest ‘sums up this season’
Date published: December 12 2021 - Jamie Woodhouse

Max Verstappen says the protests Mercedes have lodged after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are typical of this season.

Asked by Motorsport.com what he thought of the protest, Verstappen said: “Not much really to say about that. I think it also sums up a little bit this season.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner admitted he was disappointed to see this course of action from Mercedes, but stated the team had put their “trust” in the FIA.

“We are disappointed there has been a protest, but we trust in the FIA,” he said.

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-mercedes-protest/

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 17:04

Is it legally possible to overturn this result.. or are the FIA really the Judge, jury and jailor?

Such a thing would be equally as controversial and damaging for the sport.

Yes, Verstappen has been kicked off the podium before. The FIA can restore the correct order of the classification if provided with sufficient proof that the regulations have been contravened. It doe not matter who contravened the regulations since it would include anyone that has unfairly benefited from the contravention.

FRUIT FROM A POISONED TREE doctrine

Zico

12th December 2021, 17:20

Yes, Verstappen has been kicked off the podium before. The FIA can restore the correct order of the classification if provided with sufficient proof that the regulations have been contravened. It doe not matter who contravened the regulations since it would include anyone that has unfairly benefited from the contravention.

FRUIT FROM A POISONED TREE doctrine

Yes, I get that... but what about externally in the high courts?

Tazio

12th December 2021, 17:24

I would not have wanted to be Masi in that moment , as I'm sure his intentions were just to finish the race with them racing
Masi overheard after the race:

:sailor: Sorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry!!

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 17:26

Yes, I get that... but what about externally in the high courts?

I don't think that has to go that far. It goes the high courts, criminal investigations would also be conducted and it could be very disruptive and damaging for the FIA and the F1 management. It would be cheaper and a quicker resolution to fire the entire Race Control team.

Checkout the full analysis here (https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?42170-Was-order-to-unlap-legally-within-the-regulations)

Zico

12th December 2021, 17:47

Decision due imminently...

I can see Merc quitting F1 if its not overturned.

The Black Knight

12th December 2021, 17:53

Decision due imminently...

I can see Merc quitting F1 if its not overturned.

You wouldn't blame them. Overtake protest for max rejected - not surprised by that. The safety car issue is the big one.

F1nKS

12th December 2021, 18:11

Final decision in

That Article 15.3 allows the Race Director to control the use of the safety car, which in our determination includes its deployment and withdrawal.

That although Article 48.12 may not have been applied fully, in relation to the safety car returning
to the pits at the end of the following lap, Article 48.13 overrides that and once the message “Safety Car in this lap” has been displayed, it is mandatory to withdraw the safety car at the end of that lap.

That notwithstanding Mercedes’ request that the Stewards remediate the matter by amending the classification to reflect the positions at the end of the penultimate lap, this is a step that the Stewards believe is effectively shortening the race retrospectively, and hence not appropriate.

F1nKS

12th December 2021, 18:12

Decision due imminently...

I can see Merc quitting F1 if its not overturned.

Nah. They will use it to make 2022 even spicier.

rsrocket1

12th December 2021, 18:18

They need to do a green-white-checker finish.

Masi's next quote after "It's called a motor race - we went car racing.":

"Boys, have at it"

Peakrp

12th December 2021, 19:01

It’s a shame that the Race director effectively decided the world championship. After a whole season the championship was decided by Masi. Whatever he did would be controversial which makes it even more important that he sticks to the rules and previous protocol.

I have watched F1 for decades and have never ever seen an instance where they let a few lapped cars unlap themselves but not others. He changed the rules and previous protocol to put Verstappen in a place to win. F1 is so much governed by rules but it’s just a shame that they changed rules and precedent in this way.

It’s been a great season by two brilliant drivers and it’s such a shame it ended this way. Apart from the first lap, (which probably was the wrong decision too), Hamilton was fastest and totally dominated. Had Masi followed the rules, he would probably be world champion now.

N. Jones

12th December 2021, 19:03

This was a great season marred by some dangerous driving and very confusing FIA decisions.
To me, this season proves Masi is not good enough to be the race director.

Nitrodaze

12th December 2021, 19:18

Final decision in

That Article 15.3 allows the Race Director to control the use of the safety car, which in our determination includes its deployment and withdrawal.

The wording of 15.3 does not override 48.12 expressly. It certainly does not extend to altering the procedures around the deployment or withdrawal of the safety car. It only provides authority regarding power to deploy or withdraw the safety car. All procedures in 48.12 must still be complied with when he withdraws the safety car.

They are making the situation worst with the hope Mercedes would back off.

SECTION 15.3

15.3 The clerk of the course shall work in permanent consultation with the Race Director. The Race Director shall have overriding authority in the following matters and the clerk of the course may give orders in respect of them only with his express agreement:
a) The control of practice, sprint qualifying session and the race, adherence to the timetable
and, if he deems it necessary, the making of any proposal to the stewards to modify the timetable in accordance with the Code or Sporting Regulations.
b) The stopping of any car in accordance with the Code or Sporting Regulations.
c) The stopping of practice, suspension of a sprint qualifying session or suspension of the race in accordance with the Sporting Regulations if he deems it unsafe to continue and ensuring that the correct restart procedure is carried out.
d) The starting procedure.
e) The use of the safety car.

denkimi

12th December 2021, 19:22

Who would have thought that the stewards would decide that the stewards did the wrong thing. 😛

airshifter

13th December 2021, 00:30

Well.... that didn't turn out as many of us expected... round II

Crap start by Max and a good start by Lewis. I was surprised Max got a run that easily without DRS but overcooked it and pushed Lewis wide. I do think Lewis still gained advantage, but I don't think it would have mattered as he had the pace.

From there it looked like a potential borefest, and with Merc covering RB in the pits not much could be done about it. Perez did a fantastic job as the #2 trying to hold up Lewis, and those two on track were probably the best racing of the day really. I expected that if Max did lead the start we might have seen that action from Max and Lewis as well.... it just didn't happen.

As it turns out, the real luck of RB today was that of chance. By being in the second position they could roll the dice and try to gain advantage during the VSC and safety car. And in the end it worked with that final one lap dash and Max having the advantage of fresh tires. Merc really didn't have a choice, as pitting in either situation would have given up track position and RB would just do what they didn't. This scenario has played out for both teams this year, and proves that leading the race isn't always as forgiving on strategy calls.... you're damned if you do, damned if you don't.... it just depends on the outcome. As for all the appeals and such, I don't think they will go anywhere at all. Article 48.8 of the sporting regs allows calls signaled to go through to do so. That's what happened, and it seems to me to be quite legal.

All the finger pointing as Merc for bad strategy or Masi for illegal crap is just that IMHO... crap. Lewis did everything right today, but today the fortune shined on RB more than Merc. It has swung both ways through the season. Masi is in a position that will make people unhappy regardless of what he does. That's part of his job, and having vague and changing regs and expectations for enforcement doesn't make it any easier. Personally I think the communications with both Toto and Horner are out of hand. He should be worried about the race and safety, not listening to the whining children.

As far as Lewis himself, though obviously gutted, he did the right thing. He congratulated Max and took it like a man. Not as much can be said for Toto and his fits, or it appears a lot of fans either. Fortune and misfortune have been a part of motor racing for years, and I suspect the conspiracy theories and finger pointing will continue as long as simple luck plays a part. I'm not invested enough to lose sleep about it either way. Today Lewis and Merc did everything right, and Max became the WDC.

I'm not going to say this might have been obvious yesterday....but......

At this point I think Merc and Lewis have the upper hand most likely. But that could easily sway in towards Max and RB with safety car issues, and they might have the outright pace to make it work. But either way, it's been a great year to watch the fight at the front.

Good to see Sainz on the podium, shame it went south so quick for Leclerc. That off twitch he had was scary, but he collected it up really fast. The AT cars ended up 4th and 5th, and had some real pace at times. Bottas was Bottas. He had a comment quoted that nobody on the team talked to him after the race, so he went and jumped into the pool. Though his race wasn't up to Perez's performance today he bested him by 36 points through the season. Max and Lewis proved the cars are very close in performance in their hands, so really Valtteri did his job well this year. And that's if we don't even count all the points he gained the team in Hungary.

Kimi driver of the day. A nice gesture, it sucked to see him go out like that.

I hope the new cars bring things tighter throughout the field. If 6 or 8 cars were fighting for the front all the time, it would make for some great racing.

Fortitude

13th December 2021, 06:41

Red Bull "miracle" prayers answered by the "racing gods" with Verstappen crown
Sam Hall
Monday 13 December 2021 07:00

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has 'thanked the racing gods' for delivering the "miracle" Max Verstappen needed to clinch the F1 world championship title.

With 10 laps to go in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Horner told Sky Sports F1: "The pace of the Mercedes is just too strong.

"Max is driving his heart out out there but we're going to need a miracle in these last 10 laps to turn it around."

When Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams at turn 14 with five laps to go, however, Horner's prayers were answered with the resulting safety car allowing Verstappen time to pit for soft tyres and close to Hamilton's gearbox after the traffic was waved past.

“I think I said we needed something from the racing gods and they answered so thank you to them and we’re just incredibly proud of Max," said Horner.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/73507/red-bull-miracle-prayers-answered-by-the-racing-gods-with-verstappen-crown/

Lucky title for Verstappen is ‘justice’ – Alonso
ANDREW MAITLAND
DECEMBER 13, 2021

Dr Helmut Marko admits seeing Max Verstappen become world champion on Sunday provoked “much more intense” emotions even than Red Bull’s first ever title with Sebastian Vettel.

“This goes much further than that. The emotions are much more intense,” the top team official confirmed to Sky Deutschland.

“The release that came after that last lap is really unparalleled.”

Indeed, the 78-year-old Austrian admits he not only had accepted defeat to Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton prior to the last lap, but even before he travelled to Abu Dhabi.

“Yes, I thought it was over, if I’m honest,” Marko said.

“Mercedes simply had the best car at the end of the season.”

It will go down in history as one of the most emotional and controversial ends to a world championship contest ever.

It has put F1 director Michael Masi in the spotlight for the way he re-started the race with one lap to go and with only Verstappen on fresh tyres.
“Without the safety car, Lewis would have become champion. With the safety car, Max became champion,” said two-time champion Fernando Alonso.

“So in that respect, luck decided today, we have to be honest about that. But if you look at the other 21 races, even this one, Max also had a lot of bad luck, so maybe this was justice,” he told Ziggo Sport.

https://grandpx.news/lucky-title-for-verstappen-is-justice-alonso/

‘This is getting manipulated’ - How late F1 drama played out over radio
F1
Lewis Larkam
13 Dec 2021

The 2021 Formula 1 season ended in dramatic and controversial circumstances in the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton seemed in complete control and on course to win a record-breaking eighth world title until a late safety car flipped the race on its head and enabled Max Verstappen and Red Bull to capitalise.

A late crash for Williams driver Nicholas Latifi resulted in a full safety car just a few laps from the end of Sunday's 58-lap showdown.

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/994710/1/getting-manipulated-how-late-f1-drama-unfolded-over-radio

Gary Anderson: Red Bull had lost the title until F1 went haywire
By Gary Anderson

But it was all over until Nicholas Latifi threw it at the wall. That led to a safety car and with five laps to go it was going to be nip and tuck as to how the race would finish.

With Red Bull and Verstappen keeping an eye on what Hamilton was going to do, when the Mercedes didn’t put under the safety car it made sense for Verstappen to do so.

He fitted used softs, but in doing so let some lapped cars past, meaning they were between him and Hamilton, who was neatly tucked up behind the safety car. This is where it all went haywire.

So summing up, Verstappen threw away a well-earned pole with a poor start. Red Bull wasn’t brave enough with its mid-race strategy.

Mercedes, in thinking that the race was going to end up behind the safety car, wanted to keep track position and didn’t pit for softs when it could have.

https://the-race.com/formula-1/gary-anderson-red-bull-had-lost-the-title-until-f1-went-haywire/

Lewis Hamilton 'asked Toto Wolff to withdraw protests' before FIA chose Max Verstappen
LEWIS HAMILTON was beaten by Max Verstappen in Sunday's F1 Championship decider in Abu Dhabi.
By JACK OTWAY
07:17, Mon, Dec 13, 2021 | UPDATED: 07:17, Mon, Dec 13, 2021

Lewis Hamilton reportedly asked Mercedes chief Toto Wolff to withdraw their two protests following his defeat to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The Brit had gone into the day hoping to win the F1 Drivers’ Championship for a record eighth time. However, he was beaten to the prize in controversial circumstances with his Red Bull rival reigning supreme instead.

According to Dutch website F1 maximal, Hamilton actually asked the Silver Arrows to withdraw their protests following the epic encounter.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1535235/Lewis-Hamilton-F1-news-Toto-Wolff-Mercedes-Max-Verstappen-Formula-One-protests

Verstappen’s mum ‘begged angels’ for title miracle
ANDREW MAITLAND
DECEMBER 13, 2021

Max Verstappen’s mother admits she “begged the angels” for a miracle to help her son become Formula 1 world champion on Sunday.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner also said late in the race that only a “miracle” could deliver the crown to the 24-year-old – and that miracle came on the very last lap of the incredible 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

“You got your miracle,” a reporter told the champagne-drenched Verstappen himself once the chequered flag had fallen and the wild celebrations were underway.

“It happens,” the Dutchman answered. “Finally a bit of luck – for me.”

https://grandpx.news/verstappens-mum-begged-angels-for-title-miracle/

Fortitude

13th December 2021, 07:50

Toto Wolff FUMES during final lap controversy between Verstappen & Hamilton ��| Team Radio Reaction
Dec 12, 2021

The team radio messages from Mercedes & Red Bull during the final lap drama at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpYvkqv8KzI

Full Garage View of Toto Wolff Talking on FIA Radio on the FINAL Lap
Dec 12, 2021

Full Garage view of Toto Wolff Talking on FIA Radio on the final lap of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina).

Jay
When Toto choked at the end in disbelief... absolutely incredible scenes

tom sting
this man need an oscar for delivering all the emotions and tension for the whole year

Ryan Morrison
Toto screaming and pleading with Michael Masi all year to me was equally as entertaining as the on track product. He’s such a great character in this sport. His smugness is unmatched and his endless campaigning for Mercedes is the stuff of a major motion picture.

Abhishek Thakur
This looks like a betrayal scene straight out of a movie. This is gold ��

Mo Kasim
If you think deep, Mick has saved his dad’s record when he fought against Latifi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuVYYZEXUJg

Christian Horner reacting to Max Verstappen final lap
Dec 12, 2021

Lukas Ethan
Love him or hate him, he turned that team into a legend, now with two different drivers, engine manufacturers that didn’t want to give him an engine, losing top drivers, and starting over development with the worst engine. Incredible leader ship and management.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T_UgijiHC4

Michael Masi (FIA) to Toto Wolff Abu Dhabi GP F1 2021 - "It's Called Motor Racing" CRIES iINSIDE!!!!
Dec 12, 2021

Lennart De la Rambelje
Masi: “Toto?”
Wolff: “Yes?”
Masi: “It’s called a motor race, ok..”
Wolff: “Sorry?”
Masi: “We went car racing”
Wolff: “…………….”

This dialogue and Toto Wolff crying wolf perhaps were the best parts of this race.

USA Dutchie
Anthony Hamilton congratulated Max and hugged Jos after the race. He has more class in his pinky finger than Wolff in his whole body.

shogrran
Imagine watching every race in the entire race calendar for 2021, constructors using all their resources...... but all that mattered really was the last lap of the last race.

tyler durden
I could watch this a thousand times and not get tired of it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LavR8eTikhY

Lewis Hamilton’s reaction to the safety car with full radio conversation
Dec 12, 2021

Mario Ayala
The calmness in their voices and professionalism is so instrumental to their overall communication

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWG782-XZ1E

Lewis Hamilton and Bono speechless after losing the title on the last lap
Dec 12, 2021

Pratham Sharma
“Bono my title is gone..”

Track Force
The Silence was so loud

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DijlWp-TzDM

Haas F1 pit crew cheering for Max Verstappen during last lap / Abu Dhabi GP
Dec 12, 2021

�� Credits- Haas F1 ��

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DliJJfyqRDI

F1 Drivers Congratulating Max Verstappen After Winning The 2021 F1 Championship
Dec 12, 2021

The 2021 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Race was amazing. Red Bull Racing F1 driver, Max Verstappen won the 2021 F1 championship. Here is multiple F1 drivers congratulating Max Verstappen during their post race interviews.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr46_-DhwwY

A controversial end to an unbelievable season! | Ted's Notebook | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
12th Dec 2021

Paul Chebs
Excellent journalism by Ted, he better be sticking around for a while as it’s such a pleasure hearing what he has to say

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fye9nM5NVsY

denkimi

13th December 2021, 08:02

Has there been a reason given for perez's retirement? That seemed pretty weird and even suspicious to me.

ouvreur

13th December 2021, 08:04

The story goes that he was running deliberately light on fuel... they planned to run him deeper into the race than Hamilton, his lighter car would then enable him to put up a better fight against the Mercedes when it caught up with him...

Nicko316

13th December 2021, 08:11

Has there been a reason given for perez's retirement? That seemed pretty weird and even suspicious to me.

Perez retired from the race with three laps to go under the late race-deciding safety car because Red Bull was worried his Honda engine was about to expire. That could have caused the safety car to stay out another lap and prevent Verstappen from overtaking Hamilton for the title.

Nitrodaze

13th December 2021, 11:06

They need to do a green-white-checker finish.

Masi's next quote after "It's called a motor race - we went car racing.":

"Boys, have at it"

I think that shows Masi is not the man for the job. If he was remotely smart, he would have red-flagged the race and produced a more interesting four-lap sprint race to the finish. That would have given us the fans a more exciting finish to the end of a very interesting season. The winner would have thoroughly and undisputedly deserved it and won the respect of the entire F1 community.

What we have is a Farcical end to a very dubious season or F1 racing? The title has been given to Verstappen on a platter; though we know that he may have won it in a fair fight if a four-lap sprint had been the end of the race which would have been more respectable. This is not the way to win it. It disappoints me that we did not hear that from Horner or Verstappen. I suppose they have a different level of decency. It certainly is lower than that of Toto Woolfs and Lewis Hamilton's

Nitrodaze

13th December 2021, 11:08

Has there been a reason given for perez's retirement? That seemed pretty weird and even suspicious to me.

The rumour is he was short fueled to give him the speed to mess with Hamilton when the situation presented itself. He probably did not have enough fuel to get to the end of the race.

denkimi

13th December 2021, 12:19

The rumour is he was short fueled to give him the speed to mess with Hamilton when the situation presented itself. He probably did not have enough fuel to get to the end of the race.
I find that hard to believe just looking at the laptimes. At lap 12, when verstappen went for his first pitstop, perez was already 4 seconds down. Almost 9 to hamilton.

That doesn't look like a lighter car to me.

Nitrodaze

13th December 2021, 13:04

ouvreur

13th December 2021, 14:32

I find that hard to believe just looking at the laptimes. At lap 12, when verstappen went for his first pitstop, perez was already 4 seconds down. Almost 9 to hamilton.

That doesn't look like a lighter car to me.

Perhaps a lighter car that was conserving tyres? The fact he was able to hold up Hamilton on fresh hard tyres that were working very nicely, on pretty ancient softs, for over a lap, makes me wonder if maybe he had been keeping something back. Perez has a reputation for being very, very good at prolonging tyre life...

Fortitude

13th December 2021, 14:44

F1 final-lap mayhem watched by nearly 14 million fans in UK and Holland
Max Verstappen won his first-ever F1 title after beating Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
By REISS TIGWELL
13:30, Mon, Dec 13, 2021 | UPDATED: 13:41, Mon, Dec 13, 2021

The mayhem witnessed in the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday was watched by almost 14 million viewers across the UK and the Netherlands. The masses watched on as Max Verstappen pipped Lewis Hamilton at the last to become world champion.

A combined TV audience of 7.4 million tuned in across Sky Sports and Channel 4’s coverage, which represents a 60 per cent audience share.
Channel 4 itself registered a peak viewership of 4.4 million - big figures for TV coverage on a Sunday lunchtime.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1535457/F1-Max-Verstappen-Lewis-Hamilton

Toto Wolff sends Max Verstappen text message after FIA reject two Mercedes protests
TOTO WOLFF was incensed at how the final lap in Abu Dhabi played out on Sunday.
By CHARLIE GORDON
15:00, Mon, Dec 13, 2021 | UPDATED: 15:25, Mon, Dec 13, 2021

With only one lap remaining, the Red Bull man took his chance and passed Hamilton to claim his first world title.

Mercedes immediately protested two incidents that occurred towards the closing stages of the race, although both were promptly slapped down.

Wolff and co. later announced their intention to appeal those decisions, with Red Bull boss Christian Horner making his way back to the UK to prepare for a legal fight.

However, The Times claim that the Silver Arrows are now preparing to abort that plan for the good of the sport.

In a new development, Sky Sports News presenter Craig Slater claims: "Max Verstappen told me that Toto Wolff, the Mercedes boss, had sent him a text message, congratulating him on being World Champion and saying that he fully deserved it, so make of that what you will.

"I haven't heard anything from Mercedes about them deciding not to proceed with that protest."

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1535515/toto-wolff-mercedes-max-verstappen-red-bull-christian-horner-f1-news

'This has been manipulated!': Lewis Hamilton claims his dramatic F1 title loss was RIGGED, in a previously-unheard rant to his team over the radio, after Max Verstappen overtook on the last lap for his controversial win
• Mercedes were left furious after Max Verstappen won the 2021 F1 drivers' title
• Lewis Hamilton led until the last lap, when the Red Bull star overtook him
• Hamilton was gracious following the controversial ending in Abu Dhabi
• Previously unheard radio footage caught Hamilton questioning the events
By DANNY GALLAGHER FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:52, 13 December 2021 | UPDATED: 15:16, 13 December 2021

Lewis Hamilton verbally lashed out and claimed the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix had been 'manipulated' after being defeated at the death by rival Max Verstappen, and surrendering the championship title as a result.

Verstappen won the race in the most controversial of circumstances, pipping Hamilton on the final lap after having been allowed to make up a window of time following a confusion over the rules regarding a safety car.

After the race Hamilton was gracious in defeat and offered kind words to his Dutch rival, but footage has since emerged showing that he was far less understanding on the team radio.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-10304801/Lewis-Hamilton-claims-dramatic-F1-finale-Max-Verstappen-rigged.html

Honda overjoyed with F1 title: All the struggles finally paid off
Author Mike Seymour
13/12/2021

Honda will leave F1 as title winners after Max Verstappen's dramatic victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Honda F1's Technical Director, Toyoharu Tanabe, has declared that "all the ups and downs and struggles" of Honda's latest spell in the sport were justified after Max Verstappen's title triumph in Abu Dhabi.

Verstappen stole the crown away from Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes in a one-lap shootout following a late Safety Car period, meaning Red Bull's engine partner, Honda, leave F1 as World Champions.

Honda returned to F1 as McLaren's engine partner back in 2015 but struggled for performance and reliability, leading to a split after three seasons.

However, when Honda teamed up with Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) in 2018, and the senior Red Bull squad followed suit a year later, significant progress was made - enough for Red Bull to challenge for title glory this season.

https://racingnews365.com/honda-overjoyed-with-f1-title-all-the-struggles-finally-paid-off

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima congratulate Max Verstappen on F1 World Championship win

By Maddalena Mastrostefano

13th December 2021

And, as they had done before, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima took to social media to express their pride and joy at the first Dutch driver winning an F1 world championship.

The Royal couple wrote, “The all-deciding race in Abu Dhabi was the culmination of this exciting season. Verstappen kept his patience during the race. Tactically strong, his team played round after round. Until the blood-curdling final phase. He took his chance and made the difference: Max Verstappen is Formula 1 world champion! Just like all of the Netherlands, the five of us followed the races with excitement. Our heartfelt congratulations on the World Championship!” – WA and Máxima

As the post suggests, the King and Queen must have been watching the race with their three daughters, Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane. Princess Alexia has made her way back to the Netherlands over the weekend following her first few months in Wales, where she is currently enrolled at UWC Atlantic.

https://royalcentral.co.uk/features/king-willem-alexander-and-queen-maxima-congratulate-max-verstappen-on-f1-world-championship-win-169740/

Fortitude

13th December 2021, 15:22

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Max Verstappen's 'historical' F1 win sparks celebrations in Netherlands

The fans rode a rollercoaster of emotions in the Bar Club 188 in the Hague, as pole position holder Verstappen saw Lewis Hamilton blast past him in the opening seconds of the race
Agence France-Presse December 12, 2021 23:03:10 IST

Zandvoort, Netherlands: Max Verstappen fans erupted in joy in the Netherlands after the Dutchman won the first Formula One title of his career in a winner-takes-all last lap at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The fans rode a rollercoaster of emotions in the Bar Club 188 in the Hague, as pole position holder Verstappen saw Lewis Hamilton blast past him in the opening seconds of the race.

Just when it seemed Hamilton had secured his eighth world title, a crash involving Nicholas Latifi effectively set up a one-lap race for the title between Verstappen and Hamilton that the 24-year-old Dutchman won.

"What an unbelievable end. I have lost my voice," Tom Alsem, 30, said, his eyes glued to a TV screen showing Verstappen hugging his Red Bull team mechanics in Abu Dhabi.

Like the Verstappen fans following the race in the Gulf, Alsem was dressed head to toe in orange.

His friends dashed to the bar to order a new round of beers, before toasting their idol with cries of "Oh Max!".

"A historical day for Dutch sport," tweeted Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. "Max Verstappen, congratulations for this phenomenal performance. Really fantastic," he added.

https://www.firstpost.com/sports/abu-dhabi-grand-prix-max-verstappens-historical-f1-win-sparks-celebrations-in-netherlands-10206141.html

'Super Max' Verstappen sparks joy in Netherlands

Spectators celebrate as Max Verstappen clinches the World Championship title in the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as they watch the race on screens in Breda, Netherlands, on Sunday. AP

In the orange-decked bar in the Hague and in a cafe in Zandvoort near the circuit where the Dutch Grand Prix is held, the fans had a nerve-shredding day.

"I hope he'll win but Hamilton often gets a bit of luck at the crucial moments," keen F1 fan Paul Meester, 61, told AFP as he watched the start of the race in the Hague. Two hours later, he said: "I told my friend he won't win, it's finished."

But within minutes, the race had turned on its head and Verstappen took the chequered flag.

Niels, 34, said at the start of the race he had a bad feeling because "Max is so unpredictable...he could lose it in a rush of blood."

By the end, he was hailing Verstappen's "immense performance", saying it was one of the greatest moments ever in the history of Dutch sport, normally dominated by football.

The best-known player in the Dutch team, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, tweeted: "WHAT A BOSS."
Agence France-Presse

https://www.gulftoday.ae/sport/2021/12/12/super-max-verstappen-sparks-joy-in-netherlands

Max Verstappen's "Historical" Win Sparks Celebrations In Netherlands
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Formula 1: Max Verstappen defeated Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic final lap to win his maiden world championship title.
• Agence France-Presse
• Updated: December 12, 2021 11:35 PM IST

https://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/formula-1-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-max-verstappens-historical-win-sparks-celebrations-in-netherlands-2648082

Max Verstappen interview: 'It was all worth it now, all the travelling over Europe in a van'
13/12/2021 | 15:20 PM
Neil Briscoe

The 2021 Formula One season could only have finished in controversial circumstances. For all the pre-race pleas of ‘good, clean, racing’ it has heroically unlikely that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final round of a long 22-race slog, would end quietly

Speaking to BreakingNews.ie the day after hoisting the title in hugely controversial circumstances, Verstappen said that reaching the peak of the sport wasn’t about to change him. “No, it’s the same” said Verstappen. “Of course, I’m always happy to win it, but that shouldn’t change you as a person anyway.”

There was one tiny admission of just how draining the season had been, though - “It’s been a really intense season, so I’m quite happy to have a bit of time off now,” said Verstappen.

He won’t get much time off. Quite apart from the media scrum over the dramatic season and its startling last lap, there is much to do. Red Bull will be working overtime to develop a brand new car for the 2022 season, to match a raft of changes to the ways the cars are constructed and regulated.

On top of which , the team must contend with a change of engines - its current partner, Honda, is leaving the sport and so from next year Red Bull will be making its own engines, albeit using Honda’s existing tech as a basis from which to work.

“It was all worth it now,” he says. “All the travelling all over Europe in a van. I always kept believing in it, I always kept pushing. I think that is the key - keep believing.”

Verstappen said that he has no intention of winning his title and then quitting the sport, as 2016 champ Nico Rosberg did. He’s clearly still hungry for more. More racing. More fights with Hamilton. And almost certainly more controversies yet to come.

https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/max-verstappen-interview-it-was-all-worth-it-now-all-the-travelling-over-europe-in-a-van-1227669.html

denkimi

13th December 2021, 16:09

Perhaps a lighter car that was conserving tyres? The fact he was able to hold up Hamilton on fresh hard tyres that were working very nicely, on pretty ancient softs, for over a lap, makes me wonder if maybe he had been keeping something back. Perez has a reputation for being very, very good at prolonging tyre life...
But then why would they let him start on the softs then?

The only way that would make sense is when their plan was to have perez pass Hamilton at the start and then keep him busy for 15 laps.

But that would be a very unlikely situation.

Nitrodaze

13th December 2021, 16:40

But then why would they let him start on the softs then?

The only way that would make sense is when their plan was to have perez pass Hamilton at the start and then keep him busy for 15 laps.

But that would be a very unlikely situation.

Perez had to start on softs because he did not have the pace in the mediums to be close to the pair upfront. Redbull needed to guarantee he was on the second row. He always had a row to play and he played it very well. They just needed to fuel him to get him beyond the Mercedes stop window, where he was planned to be ahead in order to slow Hamilton into Verstappen or keep Hamilton behind to let Verstappen getaway in front. Whichever scenario arose.

ouvreur

13th December 2021, 16:42

But then why would they let him start on the softs then?

The only way that would make sense is when their plan was to have perez pass Hamilton at the start and then keep him busy for 15 laps.

But that would be a very unlikely situation.

He had to - those were the tyres he qualified on.

As you say, there was little-to-no chance of him passing at the start. But planning to make him a hurdle after the first round of stops? That's pretty straightforward.

Zico

13th December 2021, 17:27

That only suggests that he was slower to conserve fuel.

Which would completely defeat the object of running an underfuelled car.

Fortitude

13th December 2021, 18:00

Bernie Ecclestone says he is glad Lewis Hamilton did not win title - 'He can't complain'
MAX VERSTAPPEN beat Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi on Sunday in a thrilling and controversial finale.
By ALEX MILNE
18:10, Mon, Dec 13, 2021 | UPDATED: 18:11, Mon, Dec 13, 2021

F1 hero Bernie Ecclestone has insisted that he is glad that Lewis Hamilton did not beat Max Verstappen and win an eighth world title on Sunday - because he does not want Michael Schumacher's long-standing record to be broken. A Hamilton win in Abu Dhabi would have seen him overtake Schumacher, who won seven titles during his legendary career.

But Max Verstappen ended up coming out on top in a hugely dramatic and controversial contest, with the Dutchman claiming victory for the first time.
Ecclestone was asked his views about the encounter on Sky News, and did not appear to have much sympathy for Hamilton and the manner in which the Brit lost when it was suggested he had been hard done by.

"About being robbed it's complete and utter nonsense," he said. "If you want to think about it carefully, on the first lap of that race he (Hamilton) went off the circuit and came back on again and Verstappen stayed on the circuit and did absolutely nothing wrong.

"Lewis wasn't punished at all for this so he shouldn't be complaining too much.

"These things happen all the time in sports. We shouldn't blame the race director, he did exactly what was the right thing to do."

Hamilton was heard on his radio claiming the race had been "manipulated" when it came down to a final-lap shootout after the safety car had been deployed.

But Ecclestone added: "I'd like to know who has been manipulating and is clever enough to do that. This was just a set of circumstances that happened and it ended an incredible world championship that I'm sure everyone was more than happy to watch."

Continues here;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1535612/Bernie-Ecclestone-Lewis-Hamilton-Max-Verstappen-F1-title

Eddie Jordan aims scathing attack at Lewis Hamilton after Max Verstappen 'steals' title
MAX VERSTAPPEN dramatically beat Lewis Hamilton to the title in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
By WILL LANCASTER
16:05, Mon, Dec 13, 2021 | UPDATED: 16:10, Mon, Dec 13, 2021

And racing pundit Eddie Jordan believes Hamilton needs to "harden himself up again" after being too gracious in defeat.

"You can't deny Verstappen the right to the championship," he said.

"However, on the other side, I think Hamilton has opened the door. He's allowed someone as aggressive and arrogant as Verstappen to upset him and steal his title from him.

"I think Lewis has been too nice for too long and I think he needs to harden himself up again.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1535555/Lewis-Hamilton-Max-Verstappen-Mercedes-Red-Bull-news-Eddie-Jordan-attack

OPINION: MAX VERSTAPPEN'S DRAMATIC TITLE TRIUMPH OVER LEWIS HAMILTON COULD MARK SHIFT AT TOP OF FORMULA ONE

Max Verstappen clinched his first Formula One world championship by winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix over Lewis Hamilton in controversial circumstances. The 24-year-old could now set the pace at the top of the sport for years to come with the new regulations set to come in for 2022. Hamilton finally has a worthy rival.

But Verstappen’s title victory, plus the looming regulation changes in F1, raise the prospect of a fundamental shift at the top of the sport. Just as the shift into the hybrid era saw Mercedes achieve a level of unparalleled dominance, might Red Bull and their fearless new world champion set the pace in the years to come?

https://www.eurosport.co.uk/formula-1/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/2021/opinion-max-verstappen-s-dramatic-title-triumph-over-lewis-hamilton-could-mark-shift-at-top-of-formu_sto8670514/story.shtml

F1: Christian Horner's remarkable interview just before Verstappen vs Hamilton chaos
By Kobe Tong
Published: 13 Dec 2021, 15:33

Horner's interview before Hamilton vs Verstappen chaos

In fact, Horner himself could be heard preempting that fact as he gave a fascinating interview to Sky Sports F1 when there were only 10 laps remaining and Hamilton looked nailed on for victory.

Before the safety car incident provoked by Nicholas Latifi's crash, it looked nigh on impossible that Verstappen would be able to close the gap to Hamilton - and Horner was painfully aware of that.

However, Horner's admission that Red Bull needed a 'miracle' and help from the 'racing gods' looks remarkable now when you consider that we were only a few laps away from that actually happening.

"The pace of the Mercedes is just too strong today," Horner admitted with a deflated tone of voice. "Max is driving his heart out out there but we're going to need a miracle in these last 10 laps to turn it around.

Fortune favours the brave

I guess sometimes you do get what you wish for.

Red Bull and Verstappen might have needed the very miracle that Horner referred to during Sky's broadcast, but in the ever-unpredictable world of sport, miracles very much can and do happen.

In this case, Horner was on the right side of fortune as opposed to Toto Wolff's Mercedes, but it can't help feeling amusing apt when the 48-year-old predicted that exactly that would be required to win.

https://www.givemesport.com/1801768-f1-christian-horners-remarkable-interview-just-before-verstappen-vs-hamilton-chaos

F1nKS

13th December 2021, 22:16

2021 World Champion - Max Verstappen

2021 Fastest Lap - Lewis Hamilton (6x)

2021 Fastest Pit Stop - Red Bull

2021 Overtaking Champion - Vettel (132) edges out Alonso (128)

Nitrodaze

13th December 2021, 23:24

Which would completely defeat the object of running an underfuelled car.

You miss the point. He was slower after he had done the job of backing Hamilton to Verstappen. He had to be to reduce his fuel consumption.

Zico

14th December 2021, 00:14

You miss the point. He was slower after he had done the job of backing Hamilton to Verstappen. He had to be to reduce his fuel consumption.

I'm not convinced I have. With the old cars each lap of fuel was on average worth aprox 0.086 seconds, I don't know how the hybrid cars compare in that regard but they are massively more economical... but lets call it 0.05 per lap as a conservative estimate. So.. fuelled 5 laps short of full race distance to give him the 2 and a half tenths he would need to even get close to mixing it with Lewis, they then have no chance of finishing the race... so why bother fuel saving?

Admittedly my quick googlefu may not have produced the most accurate of data so if you have better data on the above, I wouldn't mind reading it but at first glance it just doesn't seem likely that it could stack up.

F1nKS

14th December 2021, 01:31

airshifter

14th December 2021, 02:32

2021 World Champion - Max Verstappen

2021 Fastest Lap - Lewis Hamilton (6x)

2021 Fastest Pit Stop - Red Bull

2021 Overtaking Champion - Vettel (132) edges out Alonso (128)

Just to add.....

Max also had 6 fastest laps. I'm not sure how the DHL award does the tie breaker.

Most poles

Most laps led

Most podiums

.... all belonged to Max. And he did so with 3 DNF's as opposed to Hamilton's single DNF.

The overtaking thing is kind of a laugh, but I'm glad Alonso and Vettel poked some fun at it near the end.

As for Perez, the only articles I've seen claim fear of engine failure, and not wanting to risk extending the safety car if it went boom. Underfueling could make sense, but I would think at some point that would be revealed. But then again, easy to claim one vs the other too.

Zico

14th December 2021, 05:32

If you look at Sergio Perez lap times, they were not much different than Verstappen. The only time they were significantly different was before he was pitted because he was left out on his soft tires. It makes his fight that he put on Lewis that much more impressive.

From laps 2-17, Perez average 0.26 seconds per lap behind Verstappen

After he pitted on lap 22 (from laps 23 to 35) his average lap time was within 0.06 seconds of Verstappen.

After the next pit stop laps, 38 to 44 Perez average lap time was 0.31 sec/lap greater.

Thanks, thats interesting, ..where would I find these lap times online?

I'm also not sure RB would effectively sacrifice a car as long as there was still a mathematical chance of the constructors title in the event of 1 or more Merc DNF's.

Mia 01

14th December 2021, 06:54

Max overtook Lewis on the last lap in a fair fight, or am I wrong?

Fortitude

14th December 2021, 09:29

Red Bull remind Mercedes 'Lauda backed let them race principle'
Sam Hall
Tuesday 14 December 2021 04:00

Red Bull team principal Chrisitan Horner has struck back at Mercedes by reminding Toto Wolff that Niki Lauda "pushed hard" for the 'let them race' principle to be introduced in F1.

Three-time world champion Niki Lauda was a crucial member of the Mercedes set up until his passing in 2019, holding the position of non-executive chairman.

The Austrian played a key role in securing the services of Lewis Hamilton from McLaren in 2013 and acted as an advisor and confidant for team principal Wolff.

After the controversial way in which the 2021 championship was decided, Lewis Hamilton losing in a final-lap shootout to Max Verstappen, Horner reminded Mercedes of Lauda's belief in the 'let them race' system.

“We never wanted to end up in front of the stewards," said Horner after Mercedes had two protests dismissed by the stewards.

"There was obviously a lot of debate before the race. As it turned out, it was very different after the race but we don’t go racing with barristers and so on. It was a shame it ended up there but the stewards’ made the right call.

“We’ve talked about 'let them race'. Niki Lauda was the guy that pushed hard for it and we’ve always talked about not finishing races under safety cars.
"I think the race director in difficult circumstances made absolutely the right call."

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/73550/red-bull-remind-mercedes-lauda-backed-let-them-race-principle/

Mercedes’ post-title appeal suddenly in doubt
ANDREW MAITLAND
DECEMBER 14, 2021

Max Verstappen has revealed that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff finally offered belated congratulations for his title win the day after Sunday’s epic and controversial 2021 season finale.

While Lewis Hamilton and his father Anthony both personally congratulated the new world champion immediately after the race in Abu Dhabi, a furious Wolff chose instead to focus on first protesting and then vowing to appeal the decisions of race management.

But it now emerges that Mercedes may in fact let Thursday’s deadline for pushing ahead with the appeal process pass, with London’s Times newspaper saying Wolff fears a PR backlash and reputational damage.

Red Bull clearly intends to fight any official appeal, with Red Bull boss Christian Horner flying back to the UK to prepare for that rather than taking part in any extended celebrations in the Middle East.

Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone certainly advises Mercedes to drop it.

When told that Hamilton suspected the FIA had “manipulated” the race result, Ecclestone said: “I’d like to know who has been manipulating and is clever enough to do that.

https://grandpx.news/mercedes-post-title-appeal-suddenly-in-doubt/

Toto Wolff's 'private text' to Max Verstappen as Mercedes consider dropping appeal
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has reportedly sent a text to Max Verstappen congratulating him on winning his first F1 world title following a highly-controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
BY Nick Murphy
Sports Reporter
19:16, 13 DEC 2021
UPDATED19:55, 13 DEC 2021

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reportedly sent a congratulatory text message to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen in the wake of his World Championship win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Wolff, who owns a 30% share in the German constructor, was probably more shellshocked than anyone at the way events unfolded at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Verstappen, 24, won his first title under the most dramatic of circumstances, capitalising on a late safety car and some questionable decisions from Michael Masi to pass Lewis Hamilton on the final lap.

Masi's decision to allow the five lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to overtake the safety car on the final lap of the race sparked fury in the Mercedes garage.

Continues here;

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1/wolff-verstappen-hamilton-f1-dhabi-25688362

WILD ONE
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff filmed crowd surfing and partying the night away as he puts Lewis Hamilton disappointment behind him after dramatic Formula 1 title finale
Jackson Cole
13th December 2021, 11:08 am
Updated: 13th December 2021, 11:22 am

The Formula 1 title finale was as dramatic as they came and ended in heartbreak for Lewis Hamilton – but that didn’t stop Mercedes chief Toto Wolff from celebrating through the night.

Fans were treated to the most dramatic finish to a F1 season ever, as defending champion Hamilton was pipped to the post by Red Bull rival Max Verstappen on the final lap in the final race of the campaign.

Continues here;

https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/1001477/

Max Verstappen Fans Are Crazy!
Aug 27, 2021

Chris Stone
Super Max is F1 world champion Yessss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1xgANtVtJw

Dutch Fans React to MAX VERSTAPPEN becoming F1 World Champion
Dec 12, 2021

What a crazy race to end this crazy season of F1, hope you enjoy the reactions.

BaboFromThe8
I literally woke up at 6AM and woke my parents up to watch the race, we were all so happy and hyped for Max. Mexico is Verstappen territory, cheers guys! ��

Martin Pospisil
I was crying when Max overtook Hamilto. Cheers from Czechia.

Haowei Tang
I started shouting “I cannot believe this” once Max defended Lewis’s attack one last time and headed to the last corner, then it was just tear and joy. Just as happy as u guys

Tech 4u
Praise to Perez for his loyalty and superb driving whole season long.
Also Honda did a good job bij finishing top 5 with 3x honda engines!

AceGoat
Absolutely incredible. I was cheering at the top of my voice. He deserved it in every way, most wins, most podiums, most fastest laps and most laps led. Verstappen/Redbull fan here from the UK

Hot Tamale Kid
Epic superMax! Checo’s battle with Lewis was legendary. The dynamic duo!! Can’t wait until next season

Kimi
I started balling when he got through the final corner. Hearing his radio made me 10 times more emotional. This is the most deserved championship win since Nico in 2016

Stacker Coding
I cant even just start to imagine how this feels for dutch people, I am from spain and I almost cried when I saw him crossing the finish line, such a good season he fought, we will remember this for decades, have a good one guys, enjoy it

chadbailey30
Not Dutch but this pretty much looks like how my house was in the US!!! All my kids love Max and went ape shit when he made that final pass

saitamahonda
Great reaction video! Half way around the world and we were going through the same feelings! Heart pounding! YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

nsky
I'm Brazilian, but I screamed as much as you guys, I probably bothered the neighborhood kkkkkkkk

suffer
i was screaming at the top of my lungs when he made that massive dive bomb into turn 5, then my stomach drop when lewis got a good run into turn 9, but i should've expected max to not back out! WORLD CHAMPION!!!!!!!!!!!

Justin Broniszewski
I'm still in shock! What a finish to an absolutely spectacular season. Congrats Max!!!

Justin Broniszewski
I'm still in shock! What a finish to an absolutely spectacular season. Congrats Max!!!

Shade 60
Best reaction video ive seen. My heart has never raced so hard like that last lap! Max is a fighter and he deserved the victory!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X99k2Ep9hUE

"This Is The Ultimate Dream" | Max Verstappen Interview After Winning World Title
Dec 13, 2021

New world champion Max Verstappen reflects on his journey from karting to his maiden Formula 1 title after his last gasp victory in Abu Dhabi.

Wynand Du Plessis
You can hear his respect and feelings for Lewis. Those people who accused him of being a bad winner with not acknowledging Lewis had it all wrong. Congratulations, Max - and all the Verstappens!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxBdYC6CQDc

Nitrodaze

14th December 2021, 09:45

Just to add.....

Max also had 6 fastest laps. I'm not sure how the DHL award does the tie breaker.

Most poles

Most laps led

Most podiums

.... all belonged to Max. And he did so with 3 DNF's as opposed to Hamilton's single DNF.

The overtaking thing is kind of a laugh, but I'm glad Alonso and Vettel poked some fun at it near the end.

As for Perez, the only articles I've seen claim fear of engine failure, and not wanting to risk extending the safety car if it went boom. Underfueling could make sense, but I would think at some point that would be revealed. But then again, easy to claim one vs the other too.

He was quite magnificent this season. Redbull gave him a brilliant car and he took the fight to Hamilton and Mercedes as he promised. It would have been a stellar championship win if Masi had not shat on it.

Fortitude

14th December 2021, 16:23

F1 Abu Dhabi 2021 Final Lap Thriller | Verstappen vs Hamilton [Live Reaction] | CROWD GOES WILD
Dec 12, 2021

Hell lotta screaming. Let's go Max! Location courtesy: Lord of the Drinks, Worli, Mumbai.

Jasper Vos
This was literally EVERY living room in the Netherlands, glad you guys enjoyed it too! (ps, poor Hamilton fan on the right, do feel sorry for him)

Huib Akihary
the Miracle of Abu Dhabi. this final lap is already a historic moment for Max, for Holland, for the Dutch and all those F1 fans all over the world. I thought Holland was going crazy like hell when Max finished as 1st, but you all in Mumbai are even more crazy!. Thank you for all your support! Thank you and cheers.

Mark Symonds
I have never seen F1 racing get a reaction like that. I have not watched F1 seriously for years. This race has stirred my interest again. Never been a fan of Hamilton because of the tantrums he used to throw after races, as i always thought he was bigger than that. But watching him behave on the track the way he did on that last lap and after the race he is the real deal imo. Verstappen is going to push Hamilton to another level.

Theories16
Warms the heart to see so many ppl from different countries be so happy for Verstappen.. As a dutchman it brings a tear to the eye... We were sooo happpy!!

Moon L
i must say ive probably watched the final lap about 20 different times on different videos, angles and commentaries. but this one has got to be the most exciting one (after the one i witnessed live of course) The emotion of your crowd really got me fevering with max again

Moontide
I will watch this over and over and over again, TY for all the emotion !

devey123
Massive respect for the two drivers for giving us an epic finish. Thanks for the vid m8!

Rodrigo Iunes
Better than soccer world cup finals. Unforgetable F1 season.

B iesel
As a life long F1 fan this was one of the greatest races I ever witnessed, and by far the greatest season I have ever witnessed. On top of that, there are MILLIONS of new F1 fans around the world after this one.

Alex Niehaus
I was acting like these people in my house in the US by myself as my wife and son were gone. My dogs looked at me like I had lost my mind. Unbelievable moment.

Daniel
My dad and I were going just this wild when we were watching the tv. Sooooo happy for max this is the most excited I’ve ever been about anything in my life

Arka Dey
I am watching F1 since 2003, but never had such kind of experience before on the last race, greatest season for me till now. Thanks Max�� and Lewis��. Also to Checo�� and Valtteri�� for your supports to the teams. Best of luck for the 2022 season. Kimi ��… best wishes for your future..

giannapple
I’m italian. I’m a Ferrari fan since l was 9 years old. l have been an Azzurri fan since even before. l have never been as happy as today, not even when Italy won the recent European Football Championship, not even when Schummi won his first F1 championship for Ferrari. Well done Max, well done Red Bull. And thanks to you and Hamilton/Merc for having made this season a legendary one.

Troy Armstrong
I nearly fainted when Max overtook lewis, as an American fan since 2012 This may be the single greatest F1 moment I have witnessed so far. Max earned this imo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr4kzFA9qyA

La BRUTAL REACCION de TOTO WOLFF y CHRISTIAN HORNER al DUELO entre MAX VERSTAPPEN Y LEWIS HAMILTON
Dec 13, 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO1MmD3sEys

My family is going crazy at Max Verstappen's final lap in Abu Dhabi
Dec 13, 2021

Sunday, December 12, 2021 was a very beautiful and special day for me and my relatives. I've been following Formula 1 since I was 5 years old and only now, 53 years later, can I experience that a Dutchman becomes F1 world champion. Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing thank you for this wonderful gift! And in this video, enjoy our rollercoaster of emotions during the historic and epic final round of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Starring: Josje de Klerk (my wife), Vito van Vleuten (my son), Luna van Vleuten (my daughter) en Alano Peper (son of my ex wife). Unfortunately my youngest daughter Soleil van Vleuten was missing because she had to work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFyW5C6M4F8

MAX verstappen world champion little fans go grazy
Dec 13, 2021

MAX Verstappen abu dabhi little friends go grazy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaI2f_GPNX4

Max Verstappen World Champion F1 2021 @ Cafe Toptimer Den Haag 12-12-2021
Dec 12, 2021

Max Verstappen World Champion F1 2021 @ Cafe Toptimer Den Haag 12-12-2021 The last lap of Max Verstappen first world championship @ cafe TopTimer in the city of The Hague in Netherlands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdaN6zOM5yI

Max Verstappen is 2021 Formula 1 World Champion!
Dec 12, 2021

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a brand-new World Champion and this is how it happened. @Max Verstappen won his first World Drivers’ Championship at the end of one of the most dramatic title-deciders in Formula One history, passing rival Lewis Hamilton to take the lead and the race win on the last lap of a thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It's been quite the journey for Max since joining the @Red Bull programme in 2014 at the age of 17 years old. Today, in Abu Dhabi he completed his dream, to become F1 World Champion...

Thank you for an unforgettable season, Max and Red Bull Honda!!! And Checo...I don't know what to say, what a man!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL__lS856ug

How Max Verstappen Trained To Become F1 World Champion
Dec 12, 2021

It's no secret that life as a Formula 1 driver at Red Bull is pretty fun, and in Max's time with @Red Bull Racing Honda he's been put through some pretty unique training sessions which we're certain is the reason he's now the F1 World Champion �� Which of these super Max moments is your favourite?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHs8xGHK0T4

Verstappen World Championship Overtake Abu Dhabi GP 2021 Fan Reaction
Dec 12, 2021

All these Things happened in this 2 minutes:
4 bottles of beer were destroyed.
At 1:24 the guy in the middle back falls with his face on the floor.
A pulse of 175 bpm was reached by the left standing guy at 2:00
Incedible!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZrHcPSvpuw

Crazy Indian F1 fans reaction over Max's Abu Dhabi win at BWW Hyd. #f12021 #maxverstappen #champion
Dec 12, 2021

Janine S ❤️
I am so happy that so many people all over the world cheered for Verstappen winning. So many British fans (and British media) are trashing him. I must say that Hamilton and his father were very classy afterwards when they congratulated him.

Nilabhra Guha
At last when Toto was shouting "No Mikey No!" everyone was laughing��

Marleen
MAX!! The Netherlands but as you see the whole world loves you!! You made the Dutch proud this year ��

Bharath Reddy
Indian fans never disappoint with their reactions��

UtrechtFanaticNL
GOOSSEEEBUMPSS from the Netherlands �� thank you for sharing this! Amazing people❤

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xhlFAdJ3dA

FINAL LAP THRILLER! VERSTAPPEN VS HAMILTON (LIVE REACTION INDONESIA) | F1 ABU DHABI GP 2021
Dec 13, 2021

The greatest F1 season I've ever witness. instagram.com/alfado instagram.com/teamtecno #F1 #Formula1 #F1Indonesia

Rio Immanuel
What a day that was, great pleasure to be there watching the race all along with you lads. We witnessed history that day

ruzinavi
i think that the moment on 3:00 speaks for it self and shows the views of 90% of people that watched and listened to the race.

Marleen
The Dutch are so proud of you Max!! ��

Ad Bouwens
What a match! What an emotions. I can see on their faces what happens: where the cars are, the corner, the pass, etc. Nice. Have fun boys. Greeting from that little country The Netherlands��

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL8ooxMCKK0

KENYA F1 FANS BEST REACTIONS TO THE 2021 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX FINAL LAP | WAS LEWIS ROBBED?
Dec 14, 2021

Inanna
Kenya! Thank you for supporting our man Max! Hope you all had a fantastic party! What a race!

Rogier7305
Fantastic! We Dutchies love to see this. Greetings!

Zee Z Music
What a moment, this is the magic of sports. The whole world was losing their minds in that last lap.

Gogeta217
It doesn't matter your country or your language, F1 is a very beautiful thing that is capable of create this kind of emotions. ♥️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtU-wxkjytk

denkimi

14th December 2021, 17:46

Just to add.....

Max also had 6 fastest laps. I'm not sure how the DHL award does the tie breaker.

Most poles

Most laps led

Most podiums

.... all belonged to Max. And he did so with 3 DNF's as opposed to Hamilton's single DNF.

And the only reason we even had the chance to see such a close finish was due to questionable decisions and suspicious actions throughout the season.

Without bottas and hamilton taking him out, max would have been a long way ahead in abu dhabi.

The fia and masi did everything to make it end close, and they succeeded.

Nitrodaze

14th December 2021, 19:18

And the only reason we even had the chance to see such a close finish was due to questionable decisions and suspicious actions throughout the season.

Without bottas and hamilton taking him out, max would have been a long way ahead in abu dhabi.

The fia and masi did everything to make it end close, and they succeeded.

You could say that for both drivers. But there were a number of occasions where if he was more experienced, he would have arrived in AbuDhabi already the world champion of 2021. First is the unnecessary fight with Hamilton at Silverstone while leading by 33 points. That leads was cut down to 8 points. The other was overdriving the qualifier of Saudi Arabia where he only needed a tenth to take pole but crashed while three tenths up. Of course, there was also bad luck like the Bottas crash and the tyre puncture that caused him to crash at Baku.

You could say the same for Hamilton. The magic button error at Baku after Verstappen crashed and he drove straight into the run area, thereby dropping down the order cost him an opportunity to recover lost points from Verstappen. The Crash at Monza where he was the clear favourite to win that race is another. And the way things turned out at Abu Dhabi in a race he had won before Latifi crashed.

It is easy to do "What if", it always comes down to what actually happened. Verstappen was very very fortunate to win the title, all things being equal, he was not going to win it. Horner got his miracle by way of Massi.

denkimi

14th December 2021, 20:25

You could say that for both drivers. But there were a number of occasions where if he was more experienced, he would have arrived in AbuDhabi already the world champion of 2021. First is the unnecessary fight with Hamilton at Silverstone while leading by 33 points. That leads was cut down to 8 points. The other was overdriving the qualifier of Saudi Arabia where he only needed a tenth to take pole but crashed while three tenths up. Of course, there was also bad luck like the Bottas crash and the tyre puncture that caused him to crash at Baku.

You could say the same for Hamilton. The magic button error at Baku after Verstappen crashed and he drove straight into the run area, thereby dropping down the order cost him an opportunity to recover lost points from Verstappen. The Crash at Monza where he was the clear favourite to win that race is another. And the way things turned out at Abu Dhabi in a race he had won before Latifi crashed.

It is easy to do "What if", it always comes down to what actually happened. Verstappen was very very fortunate to win the title, all things being equal, he was not going to win it. Horner got his miracle by way of Massi.
Hamilton taking him out in silverstone cost him lost likely 32 points.

There were a lot of incidents and mistakes by both drivers and teams, but silverston was the real game changer.

N. Jones

14th December 2021, 20:29

You could say that for both drivers. But there were a number of occasions where if he was more experienced, he would have arrived in AbuDhabi already the world champion of 2021. First is the unnecessary fight with Hamilton at Silverstone while leading by 33 points. That leads was cut down to 8 points. The other was overdriving the qualifier of Saudi Arabia where he only needed a tenth to take pole but crashed while three tenths up. Of course, there was also bad luck like the Bottas crash and the tyre puncture that caused him to crash at Baku.

You could say the same for Hamilton. The magic button error at Baku after Verstappen crashed and he drove straight into the run area, thereby dropping down the order cost him an opportunity to recover lost points from Verstappen. The Crash at Monza where he was the clear favourite to win that race is another. And the way things turned out at Abu Dhabi in a race he had won before Latifi crashed.

It is easy to do "What if", it always comes down to what actually happened. Verstappen was very very fortunate to win the title, all things being equal, he was not going to win it. Horner got his miracle by way of Massi.

I agree with Nitro - both teams and their drivers did their fair share to muck up a great season.

N. Jones

14th December 2021, 20:31

Max overtook Lewis on the last lap in a fair fight, or am I wrong?

That was the only fair part about the race.

jparker

14th December 2021, 22:09

Can somebody help me understand why Lewis left the door wide open before Max got him? That's not how one should defend position.

Nitrodaze

14th December 2021, 22:23

That was the only fair part about the race.

I would be very happy to hear why you think the last lap was the only fair part of the race?

Nitrodaze

14th December 2021, 22:28

Hamilton taking him out in silverstone cost him lost likely 32 points.

There were a lot of incidents and mistakes by both drivers and teams, but silverston was the real game changer.

Verstappen taking out Hamilton at Monza cost Hamilton 25 points. We could do this all day. It was what it was. F1 machinery has handed the championship to Verstappen. So go party with it. Just don't be saying stuff to make you feel better that the title was stolen and not won in a fair fight. You can quote all the statistics to try to make it all look legitimate. The fact remains he was given the title, not won.

F1nKS

14th December 2021, 23:58

You can quote all the statistics to try to make it all look legitimate. The fact remains he was given the title, not won.

If Mercedes would have made the right strategy calls instead of sitting on their hands through the race, they would not have been at risk of a late yellow flag.

airshifter

15th December 2021, 00:39

And the only reason we even had the chance to see such a close finish was due to questionable decisions and suspicious actions throughout the season.

Without bottas and hamilton taking him out, max would have been a long way ahead in abu dhabi.

The fia and masi did everything to make it end close, and they succeeded.

This really isn't anything new with questionable decisions. What has changed is that the title fight remained very close, and in part probably due to those questionable decisions. That's why personally I've never worried much about the titles in those years in question. Often the FIA and/or race directors are in a position that no matter what they do people will be unhappy. Some will feel their driver or team of choice was unfairly punished, others will feel it was rigged, still others will see it as a tough call in either case.

I personally don't think the FIA and/or Masi have intentionally "rigged" or "fabricated" anything. I think they've just been put under a more powerful microscope than many past seasons, and that brings the flaws of the system to light.

So really in the end I find that by ignoring the inconsistencies and making my own decision on who was the better driver through the season, I don't really get upset no matter what happens. It takes out the stress of being too invested in the whole thing, and puts into better perspective who has had more good or bad luck, car issues, saved by the misfortune of others, etc.

squibby

15th December 2021, 04:35

... I think they've just been put under a more powerful microscope than many past seasons, and that brings the flaws of the system to light....

I've been watching F1 on paid subscription TV since 2009, and have probably missed maybe one or two races since then in over 10 years thanks to being able to record everything. I used to watch it before then sporadically on free-to-air TV as a kid, but that's not with the same intense interest. So with respect, many fans have always had a 'powerful microscope' on each race, for me personally that spans about 12 seasons now.

I can say that the end of the last race was unique. Anyone who argues to me that it was 'same-same' , or we just saw it this time because of new access to radio messages, I disagree. Not sure why the stewards didn't make Hamilton give the position back to Verstappen on the second lap incident, I'm a Hamilton fan and I agree he was pushed wide, but at the same time, Verstappen threw it up the inside and made the corner, I mean what more does he need to do? - but that controversial piece of stewardship is not unique, it has precedent and it's about 50/50 which way it tends to go.

At the end why they didn't have a Red flag, well same again, sometimes they just leave it too late and go for the safety car when a flag would be better. It's not unprcedented, nothing particularly unusual.

However, to not unlap cars in full thus compromising Sainz and Ricciardo's chances to do anything in the last couple laps to show massive favouritism for the Max and Lewis shootout, yet be totally ignorant of the vastly unequal tyres or the great lead lost by Lewis in the prior 50 plus laps was just the dumbest clumsiest piece of race management I've ever seen and completely unprecedented and against the regs. First time I ever saw it.

If I was thinking about joining F1, The message I would derive from this is that unless I'm running 1st or 2nd, nobody in the sport cares about my race compared to the leaders. I would also be concerned that I can lead 50 laps of a race only to have the rules re-hashed in the last two laps. - How can I strategize for situations with no precedent? No-No, Perhaps I'll invest my money elsewhere, or even worse, perhaps I can have a quite discussion behind closed doors that If I do invest, I can get a few decisions my way at discretion of race direction who seemingly can do whatever it likes right?

Honda and Raikonnen are probably thinking - good riddance to this crap shoot.

airshifter

15th December 2021, 06:26

If I was thinking about joining F1, The message I would derive from this is that unless I'm running 1st or 2nd, nobody in the sport cares about my race compared to the leaders. I would also be concerned that I can lead 50 laps of a race only to have the rules re-hashed in the last two laps. - How can I strategize for situations with no precedent? No-No, Perhaps I'll invest my money elsewhere, or even worse, perhaps I can have a quite discussion behind closed doors that If I do invest, I can get a few decisions my way at discretion of race direction who seemingly can do whatever it likes right?

Honda and Raikonnen are probably thinking - good riddance to this crap shoot.

In this light, I essentially agree. Though I doubt any appeals will go anywhere, and it appears the FIA are covered by multiple articles involving the unlapping of cars and authority.... they are doing what they want to do in multiple situations, often without consistency, and often in blatant disregard of regs. The precedent is that the FIA does as it wishes. This is not due to Masi, it's been going on for decades.

The USGP in 2005 had 6 cars start the race. FIA approved.

Sometimes the safety car is cut short by a red flag. Sometimes they stay under the safety car. Sometimes that move it legal, other times that apex of the corner and a cars width don't matter. Sometimes track limits matter, sometimes they don't. Contact may be ok today, but not tomorrow, and never for certain drivers. The politics behind the radio calls just gets worse and worse, and the drivers are in on it too.

Though I agree consistency and enforcement need to be addressed, in the 30 or so years I've watched the sport it's generally a case of they decide race by race. With the proper structure and regs they could easily remove grey areas, but for the most part they don't bother until pushed by the teams acting as a group.

Which all combined, as I stated before, is why I don't pay much attention to the drama and make my own decisions. The titles mean next to nothing to me personally.

Nitrodaze

15th December 2021, 11:57

If Mercedes would have made the right strategy calls instead of sitting on their hands through the race, they would not have been at risk of a late yellow flag.

To be fair, l reviewed the thinking of the Mercedes strategist. With Lafiti crashing so close to the end, they anticipated the Marshalls would need at least 4 out of the five laps to clear the track. Which would essentially result in a safety car finish. So there was no need to change tyres if the regulation was followed. With hindsight, we would say they should have anticipated that Masi would alter the regulations under the guise of racing to the finish. This is not a fair comment really.

Every team go about their strategy relying on the stability of the regulations, race control doing their jobs according to this regulation and the situation laid out currently in front of them on track. Mercedes in this case did their strategy expecting the regulations to be followed. If the regulations were followed, they would have done the right strategy. They have no way of knowing Masi was going to do something out of the ordinary.

Nitrodaze

15th December 2021, 12:10

I've been watching F1 on paid subscription TV since 2009, and have probably missed maybe one or two races since then in over 10 years thanks to being able to record everything. I used to watch it before then sporadically on free-to-air TV as a kid, but that's not with the same intense interest. So with respect, many fans have always had a 'powerful microscope' on each race, for me personally that spans about 12 seasons now.

I can say that the end of the last race was unique. Anyone who argues to me that it was 'same-same' , or we just saw it this time because of new access to radio messages, I disagree. Not sure why the stewards didn't make Hamilton give the position back to Verstappen on the second lap incident, I'm a Hamilton fan and I agree he was pushed wide, but at the same time, Verstappen threw it up the inside and made the corner, I mean what more does he need to do? - but that controversial piece of stewardship is not unique, it has precedent and it's about 50/50 which way it tends to go.

At the end why they didn't have a Red flag, well same again, sometimes they just leave it too late and go for the safety car when a flag would be better. It's not unprcedented, nothing particularly unusual.

However, to not unlap cars in full thus compromising Sainz and Ricciardo's chances to do anything in the last couple laps to show massive favouritism for the Max and Lewis shootout, yet be totally ignorant of the vastly unequal tyres or the great lead lost by Lewis in the prior 50 plus laps was just the dumbest clumsiest piece of race management I've ever seen and completely unprecedented and against the regs. First time I ever saw it.

If I was thinking about joining F1, The message I would derive from this is that unless I'm running 1st or 2nd, nobody in the sport cares about my race compared to the leaders. I would also be concerned that I can lead 50 laps of a race only to have the rules re-hashed in the last two laps. - How can I strategize for situations with no precedent? No-No, Perhaps I'll invest my money elsewhere, or even worse, perhaps I can have a quite discussion behind closed doors that If I do invest, I can get a few decisions my way at discretion of race direction who seemingly can do whatever it likes right?

Honda and Raikonnen are probably thinking - good riddance to this crap shoot.

That Masi removed Sainz, Ricciardo and Alonso from the fight is the other reason this was unfair. Most of these guys were on fresh soft tyres. Any one of them could have ended up on the podium at the Abu Dhabi race if they were given the chance to unlap themselves and rejoin behind the leaders; which would have meant so much for their teams. Sainz could have had a great opportunity to challenge Verstappen for second or even Hamilton if he had a better start than the front two. Even the competition between those five cars was as important as the race at the front, if the race had restarted without unlapping the cars.

denkimi

15th December 2021, 14:04

Verstappen taking out Hamilton at Monza cost Hamilton 25 points. We could do this all day. It was what it was. F1 machinery has handed the championship to Verstappen. So go party with it. Just don't be saying stuff to make you feel better that the title was stolen and not won in a fair fight. You can quote all the statistics to try to make it all look legitimate. The fact remains he was given the title, not won.
First, let me admit i was wrong in my calculation there, no 32 points were lost.

But no, neither of them finished in monza so no points were lost. Only the race.

In silverstone we have seen a 7 points advantage turn into a 7 points deficit. Hamilton putting him in the wall thus cost him 14 points. The fact hamilton got away with it was the biggest farce this whole season.

But this whole season has been a farce in terms of penalty's. One time you can push someone off, other times not. Some times the one being pushed has to give the position back, sometimes they can just cut the corner. There is just no line in it.

It's time for new stewards and rules that get actually aplied. Especially the rule that says you have to leave space when someone is behind you, that would make close racing possible again.

The Black Knight

15th December 2021, 14:19

First, let me admit i was wrong in my calculation there, no 32 points were lost.

But no, neither of them finished in monza so no points were lost. Only the race.

In silverstone we have seen a 7 points advantage turn into a 7 points deficit. Hamilton putting him in the wall thus cost him 14 points. The fact hamilton got away with it was the biggest farce this whole season.

But this whole season has been a farce in terms of penalty's. One time you can push someone off, other times not. Some times the one being pushed has to give the position back, sometimes they can just cut the corner. There is just no line in it.

It's time for new stewards and rules that get actually aplied. Especially the rule that says you have to leave space when someone is behind you, that would make close racing possible again.

What I akin these incidents to is a foul in football. In football referees sometimes make mistakes when giving fouls and there's rarely a case where the entire crowd agree with his decision on any call he has to make. I think a 10 second timed penalty was harsh for Hamilton there as I think both were equally to blame for the accident as both could have given more room. Generally these things even themselves out over the course of a career.

What happened on Sunday was not the same. Sunday was the equivalent of a world cup final and a referee just awarding a trailing team a goal followed by a penalty because some guy fell in midfield. It's something that has never been done before and likely to never be done again. This would never be acceptable in football or any other sport. There are certain incidents that are open to opinion like fouls. Then there are the regulations which are a legal doctrine that must be adhered to at all times. Masi took a regulation from a legal framework and modified it on the fly so the trailing team could win. I don't think he realized what he was doing at the time or that he did it intentionally, he simply cracked under pressure.

This is not acceptable and the only way faith can be restored in F1 is to revert the result. At a very minimum, Masi must NEVER work in F1 again and the Stewarding processes needs a serious overhaul.

I honestly did not mind Max becoming champion. I'm not a fan but he's an amazing driver, but as far as I'm concerned he didn't win the title on Sunday it was handed to him.

Franky

15th December 2021, 14:46

Black Knight, Abu Dhabi wasn't the world cup final. It was the final minutes of a game that started in spring and ended now.

Bagwan

15th December 2021, 15:31

Here's an idea :
"Showdown in the desert !" , a return to the final laps .

Yes , folks , a lot of people were unhappy with that final lap sequence , so we're going to run it again with fresh tires and fresh engines turned up to 11 .
It'll be just the two of them out there , so no back markers to make the finish controversial .

Not that they would ever do this , but imagine the money that could be made if they did .
Then imagine how much money will flow out to the lawyers from both sides in the courts .

Add those two up and it just might be worth it , and go some way to repair the reputation of the FIA and it's stewarding .
It might be fun to watch , too .

Just thinking outside the box for a moment .

Nitrodaze

15th December 2021, 15:52

Nitrodaze

15th December 2021, 15:57

joe1888cfc

15th December 2021, 17:29

Yeah I can see the guy that already won the race and that needed a miracle to do so agreeing to this one off head to head race.

Zico

15th December 2021, 18:30

airshifter

15th December 2021, 19:41

https://www.fia.com/news/statement-fia-world-motor-sport-council

Hopefully with the teams involved they will sort out the whole mess of safety cars and red flags.

And I suspect everyone will claim to be happy until it doesn't suit their favorite driver, and then everyone will erupt again.

F1nKS

15th December 2021, 20:03

To be fair, l reviewed the thinking of the Mercedes strategist. With Lafiti crashing so close to the end, they anticipated the Marshalls would need at least 4 out of the five laps to clear the track.

This is not about pitting under the Latifi safety car - that was never a viable strategy. The Mercedes strategy mindset had to be that they needed to protect Hamilton from the "latifi scenario" whether it was 6 laps to go or 10 laps.

This is not a fair comment really.

Dude, all the expert chatter heads agree that Mercedes should have pitted under the VSC. There are detailed analyses. They all agreed because they didn't take that opportunity, Mercedes would be hanging Lewis out to dry if there WAS A LATE SAFETY CAR like say.......Latifi crash.

Merc knew and was thinking about and even asked Hamilton which tire he would like in case there was another safety car. When the time came they FAILED. They do the right strategy, the Latifi safety car doesn't put them at a bad disadvantage.

As far as your incessant whining about the rules - it's what you Europeans do, you screw up all your rules. Whether it is in football, racing, or anything else in life. You have rules for football where you time it secretly and at the end of the match, you just add arbitrary time. In this case, there are rules that override the rules and merely make them suggestions. You have rules where rules are applied differently every race. You reap what you sow.

It is quite comical.

Nitrodaze

15th December 2021, 20:36

This is not about pitting under the Latifi safety car - that was never a viable strategy. The Mercedes strategy mindset had to be that they needed to protect Hamilton from the "latifi scenario" whether it was 6 laps to go or 10 laps.

Dude, all the expert chatter heads agree that Mercedes should have pitted under the VSC. There are detailed analyses. They all agreed because they didn't take that opportunity, Mercedes would be hanging Lewis out to dry if there WAS A LATE SAFETY CAR like say.......Latifi crash.

Merc knew and was thinking about and even asked Hamilton which tire he would like in case there was another safety car. When the time came they FAILED. They do the right strategy, the Latifi safety car doesn't put them at a bad disadvantage.

As far as your incessant whining about the rules - it's what you Europeans do, you screw up all your rules. Whether it is in football, racing, or anything else in life. You have rules for football where you time it secretly and at the end of the match, you just add arbitrary time. In this case, there are rules that override the rules and merely make them suggestions. You have rules where rules are applied differently every race. You reap what you sow.

It is quite comical.

I agree with the view that they should have pitted under the VSC. They had 4 seconds in hand to ensure they survive the Redbull fast pitstops. Verstappen would have come in anyway whether Hamilton pitted or not. The Mercedes strategist was over-cautious. If he had done that, Hamilton would not have been so exposed on the last lap.

N. Jones

16th December 2021, 00:39

I would be very happy to hear why you think the last lap was the only fair part of the race?

At that point the decision is made and the race is on. Was it fair? From what I have read it seems the Race Director can do whatever they want with the safety car. I am sure Masi will claim safety as to why he did what he did.

Nitrodaze

16th December 2021, 07:10

At that point the decision is made and the race is on. Was it fair? From what I have read it seems the Race Director can do whatever they want with the safety car. I am sure Masi will claim safety as to why he did what he did.

Try to catch buddy. It has been explained in detail in this and other threads why this is not the case.

F1nKS

16th December 2021, 11:28

Mercedes has decided not to appeal. Which should not be a surprise.

Fortitude

16th December 2021, 13:29

Final Lap Feels | In The Garage For The Final Lap Of The Abu Dhabi GP
Dec 15, 2021

Putting you in the Red Bull Racing Honda garage for the most extraordinary final lap to a Formula 1 Grand Prix you will ever see. Featuring the personnel on the pit wall, the mechanics and more! After 21 races of wheel-to-wheel action, the Drivers' Championship was decided on the very last one with Max Verstappen performing a daring last-gasp overtake to snatch the race victory and with it the Drviers' World Title.

Red Bull Motorsports
Incredible emotional scenes, still gives us chills watching this again!

Jos van Zetten
"Come on son, come one Maxie" Wonderfull to see and hear how everybody in the Redbull team is reacting. Great video of a historicle moment in the history of F1 Great teamwork!

Dreist Studios
It’s actually better just seeing their reaction without having the race video playing. I went through the same stages of excitement, joy then quickly fear and then relive and happiness.

Sidney Diongzon
I keep watching the final and get chills EVERY TIME!

Aditya Harindar
I teared up watching this. "Come on son, bring it home." - Chills!

Niels Zumbrink
The moment when Jos was so immensely close to Helmut is truly special. Helmut has always believed in what he called "the Verstappen clan" And seeing Jos kiss him is just pure emotion of a man who has devoted his soul to his son. So gorgeous to see.

DjokerNole Cristi
This ultimate joy can only happen in a team sport. It"s a team effort. A moment you work your entire career for. And one you will never forget!

Jos van Zetten
These guys and girls are hero's. Me, and most people here, are fans. After the race i drink a beer (or 2, 3 .....) and go to sleep. But these hero's are away from home for months traveling the world and giving 100% for the team, and they reached there goal. They must be honored. This video shows it all. Looking forward to 2022

Tickety Tok
You know what's crazy is that I've rewatched the lap enough that can picture EXACTLY where max is on the track as I watch them watch it. What an insane moment to be a part of!

Yi Zhou
This makes me think how rewarding this moment feels, not just because of the win or the championship itself, but because of attaining a collective goal with your team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z-76hgsVO0

Fan reaction as Verstappen passes Hamilton for the title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Dec 13, 2021

Title says it all... I went nuts!! I will never forget this moment and it was incredible to witness history unfolding right in front of my eyes. Check out my vlog of my experience at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. (will be uploaded by tomorrow)

Sbro
Incredible video dude! Happy for you you got to experience it live! What an ending to the season. It's one of 'those moments' you'll never forget in your life

Boom12
What a time to be alive, and to witness history! What a race!

WeirdWickedWorld
As a Dutchman I say let's embrace this moment together. I love watching the world react. YES YES YES SUPER MAX

Francisco Erivan Araújo do Nascimento
The F1 2008 season final lap strikes back! Unbelieveble and breathtaking ending!

Erik Schwartz
Deserved this win. Would have been champion even before this race if the FIA wasn't best friends with Mercedes all season.

William
Great race, it was like Ali and Frazier, brutal and wonderful. Hamilton greatest of all time but from what i saw a great champion and classy congratulating Verstappen

Mike76unity
Goosebumps ❤️ Greetings from The Netherlands ��

Stoic with fierce focus
There is also a sub plot to this. Perez was to be discarded by Racing team after the final race in 2020.
That was also in Abu Dhabi only. He started from the last position after engine issue but still won that race. Perez said after that race that "I want to be remembered that I gave my all for the team as a true team man".
Horner recruited him in Red Bull in 2021 since he believed in him when no one else did.
Fast forward 12 months and we are at the last race of 2021 at the same venue.
Perez blocked Hamilton to reduce the gap with Verstappen from 10 seconds to 1 sec, otherwise in the final Lap Hamilton should have been 40 seconds ahead and could have done the pitstop to do the soft tyre change.
Then Horner said at lap 52 that "We need a miracle to win."
God gave him that miracle since he did that good karma to Perez exactly 1 year back.
Universe works in mysterious ways. ��

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sJK04tL88w

F1 Fans Live Reaction To Max Verstappen Overtake On Lewis Hamilton | 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Dec 14, 2021

Hasham Ali
This was a screening in LUMS University in Lahore, Pakistan. Pakistan now has quite a large fan following of F1

Jhon Santiaguino
This happened all over the world! Max unleashed total madness !!!

Holycrapper
Seems like the whole world wanted Max to WIN!

Hugo De Rooy
The moment Max overtook Hamilton, it must have been registered on the Richter scale worldwide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwWCMjdds5Q

Crazy Max Verstappen Fan Reaction F1 Abu Dhabi 2021 Final Lap Shootout
Dec 13, 2021

JianYu
Sawadee krap in Thailand, use friend Dutch tv account��

edward wiekens
Thanks for the support. Greetings from the Netherlands #SUPERMAX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uJ-OdbB8HY

MAX VERSTAPPEN - CHAMPION OF THE WORLD | FAN REACTION - ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
Premiered Dec 12, 2021

okoye kingsley
It seems F1 is very popular in India.

okoye kingsley
Super super Max

Mark S.
Greetings from the Dutch Max fans! Nice to see you support our hero.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QmLKWDVp4k

Reaction Last Lap Abu Dhabi 2021 Max Verstappen World Champion vs Hamilton Montfort Verstappen home!
Dec 13, 2021

Last rounds final laps abu dhabi. Max verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton. Dutch Pub Housmans, centre of Verstappen fanbase and Homeground

Mav / Scientific Records
This is so satisfying to watch! I rest my case!

Tom Vreuls
You are FANTASTIC Guys!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwE81j9HP-0

REACTING TO F1 CHAMPIONSHIP FINALE 2021// MAX VERSTAPPEN VS LEWIS HAMILTON
Premiered Dec 14, 2021

The Final Battle is here. Max Verstappen v Lewis Hamilton. To Become Champion. For Glory. And this is our live reaction to it.
Time Stamps: 0:20
Race Start 1:32
Max overtakes Lewis 2:21
No investigation necessary 3:34 Karma foreshadowing 4:16
Max v Sainz 5:20
Hamilton v Perez 7:44
Max catches up 8:40
Latifi crashes 9:54
Hamilton doesn't pit 11:30
Lapped cars not allowed to overtake 12:02
Lapped cars allowed to overtake 12:43
The Final Battle.

JuLoEd TB
I love how fanatic you guys are for Max/Red Bull. Please never change! Love from The Hague ��.

Shade 60
Must hurt when you are a 7 time world champion like Lewis and Max has double the supporters worldwide. People have had enough of Hamiltons nice guy act!

Pretorius Sarel
The Lion, MAX VERSTAPPEN is the deserved champ. Most wins, most pole positions, most better in qualify, most podiums, most laps led (by an enormous margin). Max beat Lewis fair and square, and he also beat the FIA, the British F1 establishment and the British media machine. Well done MAX...!!

Live 4 Life
Max won the race & the 2021 F1 title even though Mercedes & Hamilton cheated so many times this season. I applaude you Max & Red Bull, you EARNED IT fair & square, you DESERVE IT, so enjoy Your new CROWN��

Patrick van der Hoorn
Good disclaimer prior to the video..... Simply Lovely.....(Max Verstappen fan here :P)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFa2tvqeOUQ

MAX VERSTAPPEN celebra título de F1 en sede de RED BULL
Dec 16, 2021

Max Verstappen, Campeón Mundial 2021 de F1, festejó su título este miércoles en el Campus de Tecnología de Red Bull Racing, que se ubica en Milton Keynes, Reino Unido. El holandés reflexiona sobre su corona, la importancia de Sergio Perez en la obtención de este logro y cómo inspira esto a las generaciones nuevas. CORTESÍA: Red Bull Content Pool

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3MygTdVqFA

Nitrodaze

16th December 2021, 13:51

Mercedes has decided not to appeal. Which should not be a surprise.

The three-pointed cowards. Makes you wonder if they were in on it. After all, they had two chances to change his tyres and didn't. The car that crashed runs a Mercedes engine.

I think we have seen the last season of Lewis Hamilton in F1. And that is great shame. Shame on Mercedes!

Zico

16th December 2021, 14:34

The three-pointed cowards. Makes you wonder if they were in on it. After all, they had two chances to change his tyres and didn't. The car that crashed runs a Mercedes engine.

I think we have seen the last season of Lewis Hamilton in F1. And that is great shame. Shame on Mercedes!

So Merc may have sabotaged their own race? You have lost the plot completely now.

It wasn't right but the horse has bolted now, whats done is done. Reversing the decision so long after the winner being declared would do even more damage than what has already been done. Merc pursuing this further would also likely have a detrimental effect against their image.

Lewis understandably isn't happy but HE has accepted it, I only wish his fans were capable of showing the same grace.

Mia 01

16th December 2021, 15:01

Toto and Lewis is not atending the gala tonight.

I´m a little suprised but they will get over it.

The Black Knight

16th December 2021, 15:16

The three-pointed cowards. Makes you wonder if they were in on it. After all, they had two chances to change his tyres and didn't. The car that crashed runs a Mercedes engine.

I think we have seen the last season of Lewis Hamilton in F1. And that is great shame. Shame on Mercedes!

If Mercedes had change tires either of those times they would have ceded track position. They had no way of knowing Masi was going to have a brain fart. I don't get peoples POV when they say Mercedes should have pitted. In hindsight, their strategists absolutely made the right call given the information they had at the time. The only unknown variable for which they could not account was a clown in over his head.

I agree Mercedes should have taken it further, mainly because I doubt anything will change now. We'll see what comes of the probe.

I feel sorry for Max in a way. He's a great driver and his title is tainted because he should not be champion right now. He deserves better than that, Hamilton deserves better than that and so do the fans.

Nitrodaze

16th December 2021, 17:18

So Merc may have sabotaged their own race? You have lost the plot completely now.

It wasn't right but the horse has bolted now, whats done is done. Reversing the decision so long after the winner being declared would do even more damage than what has already been done. Merc pursuing this further would also likely have a detrimental effect against their image.

Lewis understandably isn't happy but HE has accepted it, I only wish his fans were capable of showing the same grace.

Well, l hope one day you will experience being cheated out of what is rightfully yours. After you have experienced that come back and tell me how you feel. Until then shut the eff up!

Fortitude

16th December 2021, 17:29

F1 Abu Dhabi GP 2021 | Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton | Final Lap
Dec 12, 2021

jimmiediedtoday
You witnessed the most incredible pass, on the last lap, in a season that could arguably be regarded as the best. I am so jealous

Just me
You had the view of the CENTURY!!

Mark S.
Unforgettable moment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs6yn3S3ZRg

Final Lap Thriller At Hill Grandstand l MAX Vs LEWIS | AbuDhabiGP | #AbuDhabiGp #F1 #MaxVerstappen
Dec 13, 2021

Race for the championship title went till the last lap of the F1 grand finale.

darthamidala
How sweet it is. GET IN THERE MAX!!!

Paolo Tornieri
Grandissimo Max!!!!! �� ️��

Julius Fučík
Max won more races and got more poles. He won this race with luck. The rightful champion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsRH8gLRbm8

Max Verstappen takes the lead in the final lap and becomes world champion!
Dec 12, 2021

TaesschenKuchen
guy in front in the white shirt didnt care about the race, he had only one goal ;)

General Pinochet
Supermax

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlIf6stPwRc

Dutch max verstappen fans are going crazy, reactions from the living room.#maxverstappen #formula1
Dec 14, 2021

Alex Negreanu
Soooo funnnyyyyy!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rn4AUrGFR8

Live reaction Max Verstappen overtakes Hamilton
Dec 12, 2021

Aximus Roh
"GO MAX" "UNLEASH THE LION" "YEAH YES YES!!!!" F ing awesome boys, love every second of that

K M
I was So Happy!!! Congratulations Max and everyone one at RedBull ��

capello85
Max was well deserved championship, congratulations from Spain!

Amir AFIRI
Now that's the Dutch family reaction I was expecting

Célio Azevedo
I'm very happy for Verstappen, from Brazil.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pI9CBIUcmA

F1 - Abu Dhabi Final Lap Reaction | Verstappen vs Hamilton
Dec 12, 2021

Ad Bouwens
Max on the screen, cheer for Max, sympathy for our Max, an Heineken beer on the table. Proud to be a Dutchman. Thanks for your sharing these emotional moment. Greeting from that little country The Netherlands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huLp0j2XQIU

Fans in the Netherlands watch Max Verstappen race to victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Dec 12, 2021

Fans in the city of Breda, Netherlands watch Max Verstappen race to victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Max Verstappen was eventually able to celebrate his maiden Formula One world championship after two appeals from Mercedes were rejected by race stewards following the Dutchman’s thrilling last-lap victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Young Midas - the photographer
Poland cried from happiness too. Greetings Netherlands, Max deserved that a lot ��

missbond
Totally delighted to see Max win. Watching from the US and almost didn’t want to watch the end to see Max deprived of a title after throwing everything he had. Was praying for a miracle and can’t believe a miracle happened !

Венгерский Одинокий Волк
Never thought that a young dutchman will make me cry someday. Congratulations from Hungary! ��

Sanincha
As a young Dutch woman who was watching with my bf I still can't believe it. I did talk about him needing a miracle to win at some point and that's exactly what he got, just amazing what an incredible race.

Stefen
Dutch fans really know how to party

francisco jose salazar marquez
Welcome to the "Verstappen era..."

Mary1248 L
Congratulations from Ukraine Congratulations!

crxdelsolsir
Mate there are RedBull cars in this event/party!! Where is this? Man this would have been an dream come true receiving that magical invite to be apart of this and topping it off with a win! What a night and what an event! This is as close to RedBull Honda as it gets outside the actual Grid!!

Rolando México RS
I enjoyed the thriumph of Verstappen like the Netherlands, I didn't want to see at all Hamilton to win, congrats to Verstappen from a mexican fan.

Dat Piff
Germany Cried from Happiness too!!!! What a Race!!!! GO MAX!!!!!!!! Love Holland <3

John Doe
From UK but was cheering Max on....very little sympathy for Lewis

D H
From a Brit to you guys…YESSS!!! Max super max!! Come on. Get in there Max!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqPOsqqaKbs

Nitrodaze

16th December 2021, 17:42

If Mercedes had change tires either of those times they would have ceded track position. They had no way of knowing Masi was going to have a brain fart. I don't get peoples POV when they say Mercedes should have pitted. In hindsight, their strategists absolutely made the right call given the information they had at the time. The only unknown variable for which they could not account was a clown in over his head.

I agree Mercedes should have taken it further, mainly because I doubt anything will change now. We'll see what comes of the probe.

I feel sorry for Max in a way. He's a great driver and his title is tainted because he should not be champion right now. He deserves better than that, Hamilton deserves better than that and so do the fans.

I think they have acted in an unsavoury manner. They should have not made a fuss in the first place if they did not intend to follow through. They created a furore that cast a dark show over Verstappen's championship title for no reason. That l find very unreasonable. They should have only reserved the right to appeal only if they fully intended to appeal. Otherwise, their action is as bad as Masi's.

Zico

16th December 2021, 18:32

Well, l hope one day you will experience being cheated out of what is rightfully yours. After you have experienced that come back and tell me how you feel. Until then shut the eff up!

So you are actually serious?

I had an Ex cheat on me many years ago, does that count? Yep, it was truly horrible... but there is quite a substantial key difference here, Lewis is just a racing driver.

What kind of reaction do you expect when you come out with such crazy talk?
Suggesting Merc were probably sabotaging their own race against Lewis and railing against Merc for it is not rational thinking dude.

Nitrodaze

16th December 2021, 19:01

So you are actually serious?

I had an Ex cheat on me many years ago, does that count? Yep, it was truly horrible... but there is quite a substantial key difference here, Lewis is just a racing driver.

What kind of reaction do you expect when you come out with such crazy talk?
Suggesting Merc were probably sabotaging their own race against Lewis and railing against Merc for it is not rational thinking dude.

Sorry to hear about your heartache. Every man has experienced that at some point in their life. But you make light of Hamilton's plight. An F1 driver is not just a racing driver. These guys lay their lives on the line to race for the win. And a huge amount of work and sacrifices go into contesting for the championship.

Zico

16th December 2021, 19:33

Sorry to hear about your heartache. Every man has experienced that at some point in their life. But you make light of Hamilton's plight. An F1 driver is not just a racing driver. These guys lay their lives on the line to race for the win. And a huge amount of work and sacrifices go into contesting for the championship.

As you know, I don't put much value in titles as F1 is simply not a level playing field and they are not the true yardstick of a man.
I'm more impressed by his high standards of driving/racing and how gracious he took his loss. Sure, he must be devastated but he's a 7 x WDC, its not like he has never won anything, so I think he will get over it at some point.

I know you are a huge fan of him but the reality is that you don't really know him at all, so don't you think you are maybe taking it all a bit personally?
If its consuming you to this extent it might be worth stepping away from this forum for a while? Thats what I'd try to do anyway.

F1nKS

16th December 2021, 21:38

So did anybody see the video of Toto "crowd surfing" at a party that night? With the ability to do deepfake videos these days, it is hard to believe that was really him...

Nitrodaze

16th December 2021, 23:19

As you know, I don't put much value in titles as F1 is simply not a level playing field and they are not the true yardstick of a man.
I'm more impressed by his high standards of driving/racing and how gracious he took his loss. Sure, he must be devastated but he's a 7 x WDC, its not like he has never won anything, so I think he will get over it at some point.

I know you are a huge fan of him but the reality is that you don't really know him at all, so don't you think you are maybe taking it all a bit personally?
If its consuming you to this extent it might be worth stepping away from this forum for a while? Thats what I'd try to do anyway.

You miss my point. For me it is about the institutional unfairness of it all. How something of this magnitude can happen and everyone turns a blind eye to it. This is how all the unfair situations in the world happen. Nobody has the courage to stand up to it and say "no this would not do". I am hugely disappointed by the injustice that was displayed in this very shameful demonstration of human nature.

I respect people by their ideals not what they pompously think of themselves. But by what they do. And what we have witnessed in Abu Dhabi is disgraceful. But l see no shame but everyone carrying on as if nothing has happened.

denkimi

17th December 2021, 10:09

So did anybody see the video of Toto "crowd surfing" at a party that night? With the ability to do deepfake videos these days, it is hard to believe that was really him...
Deepfakes work only well when the subject is not moving much. If that is actually toto, it's real.

ouvreur

17th December 2021, 11:40

200 lines of fan reaction garbage
Seriously, what do you think this contributes, other than making it take longer to get to actual comments?

sgr

17th December 2021, 14:16

I don't understand the negativity. Mercedes had the better car and won the constructors championship.

Max was the better driver and won the drivers championship.

This season and the last race have attracted a lot of viewers to F1, which is good for the sport.

Fortitude

17th December 2021, 14:29

LAST LAP COMPILATION | MAX VERSTAPPEN VS LEWIS HAMILTON | LIVE REACTIONS | ABU DHABI GP | F1 2021
Dec 14, 2021

Compilation best live reactions to Formula One Abu Dhabi GP last lap between Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton on 12th December 2021.

Jenson Button
10 wins, 10 poles, 18 podiums, 652 laps led, 3 races ruined through no fault of his own, 2nd best car. Mercedes had 3 chances to pit, yet they very consciously chose track position over fresh tires. Ironically Mercedes has been given (way) more handouts by the FiA than RB this season, even earlier in the race Lewis was gifted a free advantage, and look who is crying. Max is the worthy champion, if it wasn’t for his bad luck he would have won 2-3 races ago.

TheDriversPOV
It remains funny to me how a lot of people can say Hamilton got robbed, his own team made the decision to stay out while he (Hamilton) asked for new tires but they were too afraid to lose a position. Next to that Verstappen has had multiple DNFs due to the doings of Mercedes. So for the people still saying he got robbed please go and rewatch every race of the season and then come back.

Bernhard Janssen
The winner takes it all congratulation MAX you deserve this title the NR 1 of the F1 in the world !

Senna C.
Best season since 2012, what a great end for a fenomenal season!

Gab
It's not about this race. It's not about Lewis. It's about Toto telling Bottas to crash all the cars at the Hungarian grand prix. The FIA wouldn't say a thing cause they would have the bad boys. This is payback

Tom Webb
Id like to personally thank Mercedes F1 team from the bottom of my heart...... Firstly because they gave Lewis a fighting chance this season with the fastest 8 times in a row constructors winning car and secondly because when the crunch comes they are the master bottlers and ive not laughed so hard in decades. A very very special thx to Toto for my new screensavers ��

H.F Collectibles
All the hamilton fans who defended hamilton for all of his shit when it's clearly his fault but is for some reason trashing max for winning? Formula 1 is about the whole season, max had a fantastic season and acting like he doesn't deserve to be champion shows you're a driver fanboy more than you are a fan of formula 1. And no I'm not a max fanboy I'd have the same opinion if it was there other way around. Just be happy we had an incredible season with 2 amazing drivers fighting till the very last lap

Sarah Weis
And Lewis Hamilton and his father congratulated our Max on his victory and that he deserved to win Look in this man there is character...... This man is much sportier and more decent than an ordinary Englishman...

inflatable2
OMFG, you couldn't make this stuff up.. Lewis was very lucky in Imola with a red flag, Max had a easy win blown in Baku when Pirelli went pfffrrrrrrrrrrrtttt.. Then Silverstone and Budapest.. And finally a huge stroke of luck for Max with a SC call in the final race to save his 1st world-championship in the very last lap of the season from a Lewis Hamilton that had the faster car again in the last 4 races..

david hodder
As a verstappen fan this is brilliant watching the hamilton fans disappoint

cer l
It’s Mercedes to blame because they were to scared to box Lewis during the safetycar. Team Red Bull is better in managing the race.

Casuallad
Max deserved the title. It’s best to listen to opinions from real F1 fans who know Max deserved it on the basis of the whole season. These blue tick people on Twitter complaining probably only ever watched that race.

jused20
Mercedes is a bad loser, this season was Max overall the best after al the bad lucks

Myself Andeye
People hating on Masi right now but I think he's a legend for giving us that final lap. Imagine if this race and championship was decided behind the safety car what a total anticlimax that would've been after such a fantastic season we've had. I mean it couldn't have gone any other way. Sad part is there has always got to be a loser. This time it's Hamilton's who's got the bad end of the stick. But look at what it did to people around the world. Just wow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4XK6eTPlTw

#AbuDhabi #Fans #Reaction
LOCURA TOTAL! �� Fans reaccionando al adelantamiento de Max Verstappen | Abu Dhabi GP 2021
Dec 14, 2021

El adelantamiento de Max Verstappen en la ultima vuelta desató la euforia entre los miles de aficcionados que presenciaban la carrera por todo el mundo.

Jhon Santiaguino
this happened all over the world! Max was crazy!

lady Everglott
Max winning the WDC. the British : Lewis was robbed. Everyone else : Well deserved win Max!

Fabricio Rosso
Lol, I think this has been exactly the experience of everyone on the internet of these past few days. I've seen almsot everyone very very happy with how the season went down and the final race. Except for the British.

Prithviraj Basu
THE WORLD CHAMPION, ON EVERY LITERAL SENSE OF THE WORD.

The Youtube
Everyone had enough of hamilton a new champion is born...supermax champion��

Brenda Asiimwe
someone needs to send max these compilations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ulDr2a7CJg

COMPILATIE: Bizarre woonkamer reacties op de laatste ronde van Max Verstappen
Dec 13, 2021

Louis Jeannin
I was like this first guy, alone in my flat screaming and crying. That was just the biggest emotional release i ever experienced, just came out of it couldn’t hold back

Jeff Ned
I was just like them. And my girlfriend keeps saying: keep it quieter, everybody in our apartment can hear you. Well, it wasn’t just me with this amount of emotions.

John van der Geest
Awesome !!! I was watching the last lap like it was a miracle, I sat there in dis-believe (In shock actually LOL). Lewis had the championship from lap 1 and now I'm looking at a fairytale ending .... !!!

kteelen
Amazing!! Beautiful clip, thats how it went in our house too with my best friend and my father. It was crazy!!

Tubleros
Me and my siblings screamed just like this, ah what a feeling.

Soy imad
I’ve reacted the same way with my siblings that was epic my lord ��

Crotes1990
Nice to other people losing their shit as much as I did yesterday, what a beautiful day it was.

frederik ligot
It’s not “bizarre“…….. just splendid ��

Brandon Gary
"Let's go!" transcends all language.

Mike Heniger
Same at our house too. Screaming and crying. What an emotion. And my Wife goes mad screaming and crying. I think she said oohh Max I Love you. It's okay she can. but what a race.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MIESr1Q8Zo

REACCIONANDO CON AMIGOS AL GP DE ABU DHABI 2021
Premiered Dec 13, 2021

Jordy Brink
Thank you for your support! Loved this clip! Much Love from the Netherlands ��

Ad Bouwens
Great! Can’t understand a word but i can see on the faces of these guys what happening on the track!! Nice video. What a stress, what an emotions. Viva Espagna. Greetings from Holland��

Panneman Broeker
YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING . Greetings from the netherlands .

Marcel Renes
Thank you for this video and thank you Checo!! You're a legend! ��❤�� Greetings from The Netherlands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0YniaVGoi4

Verstappen wereldkampioen: Tranen en feest bij racefans in Zandvoorts café
Dec 13, 2021

Claudemir Mendes do Carmo
Congratulations Max Verstappen, Red Bull Honda and the Dutch people. Max's conquest was incredible and deserved, it made me feel in 1988 when Ayrton Senna won his first world title.

K M
Congratulations from ��!!! Epic Race!!! ��

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBD1PKOsUxQ

Docu Max Verstappen: Van karttalent tot wereldkampioen
Dec 13, 2021

Chase London
Max is the new kid on the block... Champion for the next decade in formula 1

Kad Lévy
The incredible Max

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG4QPglLfCE

Fortitude

17th December 2021, 15:12

Alpine boss calls title drama ‘perfect advertisement’ for Formula 1
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi has said that the late title drama in Abu Dhabi has increased the French team's desire to compete at the front next year.
by Robert Kershaw
16 December 202116 December 2021

Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi has described the dramatic nature of the 2021 title battle between Sir Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen as a “great advertisement” for Formula 1.

“First of all, congratulations to Max Verstappen, Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton and Meredes for this fantastic end to the season,” Rossi said.

“It was a brilliant cap to an exciting year in Formula 1 and the perfect advertisement for the entertaining sport we are privileged to compete in.”

https://formula1news.co.uk/alpine-boss-title-drama-perfect-advertisement-formula-1/

F1 TV RADIO REWIND: The dramatic end to the 2021 Formula 1 season
17 December 2021

Watch how F1 TV's Radio Rewind covered the final stages of the battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The ending to the 2021 Formula 1 season saw Verstappen and Hamilton face off, entering the final round level on points. Hamilton led all but six laps until Verstappen pounced on the opportunity to pit during the late Safety Car and swiped the lead from the Mercedes driver.

You've probably watched how it unfolded by now – but not quite like this.

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-tv-radio-rewind-the-dramatic-end-to-the-2021-formula-1-season.9HqMlzD9S9NfnXzpVIZzA.html

Hill: Mercedes found a ‘worthy opponent’ in Verstappen
by Fergal Walsh

1996 Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill believes the dominant Mercedes team found a worthy opponent in Red Bull’s Max Verstappen this season.

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/12/17/hill-mercedes-found-a-worthy-opponent-in-verstappen/

GALLERY: Verstappen receives F1 trophy as Hamilton skips awards
GPFans Staff
Friday 17 December 2021 09:20 - Updated: 09:20

Max Verstappen was on hand to collect his trophy for winning this season's F1 title at the annual FIA Gala prize-giving ceremony staged in Paris.

But there was no Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time champion opted to snub the event he is mandated to attend as per the sporting regulations after finishing runner-up.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who also chose not to attend, claimed both he and Hamilton had been left disillusioned by the events in Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Chief technical officer James Allison, instead, collected the constructors' trophy for Mercedes, the eighth consecutive occasion the team has won the award.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/73705/gallery-verstappen-receives-f1-trophy-as-hamilton-skips-awards/

Verstappen's astonishing achievements - Stats and facts of a champion
Ewan Gale
Monday 13 December 2021 12:05

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/73529/verstappen-s-astonishing-achievements-stats-and-facts-of-a-champion/

Marko hints at early contract extension for Verstappen
Helmut Marko has hinted that there is a possibility of Max Verstappen extending his contract with Red Bull earlier than expected.
Author Thomas Maher

Max Verstappen's contract with Red Bull could be extended at quite an early stage, according to Helmut Marko.

While Verstappen's current contract runs to the end of 2023, Marko believes that the Dutch driver could put pen to paper earlier than planned as the relationship between both sides has finally recognised its potential with Verstappen winning the Drivers' World Championship for 2021.

https://racingnews365.com/marko-hints-at-early-contract-extension-for-verstappen

Fortitude

18th December 2021, 04:03

Hamilton, Maradona… Toto Wolff’s gigantic rant
December 17, 2021 · by thejudge13

While Lewis Hamilton lost the world Formula 1 championship title to Max Verstappen, Toto Wolff at Mercedes AMG F1 is still not happy.

Wolff and his team are unhappy with the course of events in Abu Dhabi that led to Lewis Hamilton’s defeat. And although the team’s appeal has been withdrawn, the anger is still there. While Max Verstappen was crowned 2021 world champion, Toto Wolff believes the title was stolen from Hamilton.

And in an interview with Bild, the Mercedes boss went on a rant, not hesitating to compare this event to two other big controversies in the sport.
“It’s definitely on a par with Diego Maradona’s hand of God or the 1966 Wembley goal. An inconsistent decision by the race director took the title away from Lewis.

“Lewis and I are still completely unhappy. My heart and soul still weep from every pore. When the principles of sport are flouted and the stopwatch is worthless, you start to wonder if all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears are worth it,” Toto Wolff said of Lewis Hamilton’s loss.

https://thejudge13.com/2021/12/17/hamilton-maradona-toto-wolffs-gigantic-rant/

Sophie Kumpen: The angels helped us with Max
Jad Mallak
17 December, 2021

Sophie Kumpen, Max Verstappen’s mother, watched her son race to his first Formula 1 Title from her home, as she felt the angels helped the 24-year-old win the race.

The 2021 newly crowned F1 Champion is known for his former F1 driver father Jos Verstappen, who has raced from 1994 till 2003, when he retired to focus in his talented son’s career.

But Max has his mother Sophie to thank as well for getting half of his racing genes, as the Belgian was a racer herself, having previously raced in Karting.

Although Kumpen was not on track to watch her son racing the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, watching the race from her home in Belgium was not any less stressful.

After the race, Kumpen spoke to Belgian newspaper, HLN, about her feelings after her son’s F1 title triumph.

“Only now are we starting to realize it: my son is F1 world champion,” she said. “I screamed and cried.

“Max was a lion because, it must be admitted, Hamilton was the strongest in the race.

“The angels helped us,” the overjoyed mother believed.

She admitted that she had her doubts that Max would win during the race, and before the Safety Car was deployed.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2021/12/17/sophie-kumpen-the-angels-helped-us-with-max/

Jos: Red Bull were worried, but not Max
Date published: December 17 2021 - Henry Valantine

Max Verstappen held no worries heading into the final lap in Abu Dhabi despite Red Bull’s concerns, said father Jos.

The last-lap dash to the line between the World Championship rivals saw the Red Bull driver pass Lewis Hamilton at Turn 5, before weaving to try and break the slipstream of the Mercedes and hold onto the lead.

Hamilton got a run on the outside of Verstappen the younger, but he was able to hold onto the lead and take his first World Championship in dramatic circumstances.

Mercedes’ protests were dismissed by the FIA and the team dropped their intention to appeal the result of the race, but former Formula 1 driver Jos spoke after the race about how he felt about seeing his son take the chequered flag at the weekend.

https://www.planetf1.com/news/jos-red-bull-worried-not-max-verstappen/

Verstappen reveals details of podium conversation with Hamilton
17/12/2021, ‎15‎:‎50

The elder Verstappen then admitted that he initially believed the title was slipping away, and had actually withdrawn from the pits as Hamilton dominated out front.

"I left the pit and I went upstairs to sit quietly at my television to see the lap times, because I didn't have the feeling it was going to happen and I didn't want the cameras on my face all the time," he said.

"I was quiet. Raymond [Vermeulen, Max's manager] came in 20 laps before the end. And then [Nicholas] Latifi crashed [with] five laps to go. We were hoping, we were jumping, we were happy and you know, 'Get this guy out of the way and let them race'.

"I can't express it, it was so emotional. Then they did get the car out of the way. The cars between him, they could pass like they normally do. Then there was one more lap to go and everybody knows, if Max is behind on the last lap, he will try, whatever happens.

"We were just thinking where he would do it and he did it at Turn 5, which I didn't expect, because then you have two long straights coming...

"Then Lewis came alongside him into the new fast corner. It was crazy exciting. Tears in my eyes, exciting, nervous, everything comes together..."

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen-reveals-details-of-podium-conversation-with-hamilton

The Black Knight

18th December 2021, 06:56

Seriously, what do you think this contributes, other than making it take longer to get to actual comments?

Have him on ignore for months - you should do the same. He just spams the forum. Admin should ban him really.

airshifter

20th December 2021, 08:45

You miss my point. For me it is about the institutional unfairness of it all. How something of this magnitude can happen and everyone turns a blind eye to it. This is how all the unfair situations in the world happen. Nobody has the courage to stand up to it and say "no this would not do". I am hugely disappointed by the injustice that was displayed in this very shameful demonstration of human nature.

I respect people by their ideals not what they pompously think of themselves. But by what they do. And what we have witnessed in Abu Dhabi is disgraceful. But l see no shame but everyone carrying on as if nothing has happened.

This would actually be quite funny to me if it wasn't such a sad representation of how invested you are in this whole thing. You act as if playing keyboard warrior is trying to make things in the world fair and just, when in reality it's a very minor concern within the scope of world problems.

It's a sport, subject to flaws like any sport, and available only to those with the means in developed countries who use it as a form of entertainment.

If what you do to right all the unfair situations in the world is only to play keyboard warrior, you might want to take a long look at the basis you use to judge others. And rather than pompously think of others in that light over their opinions over a sporting event and how trivial it is in their own lives, you should consider actually getting hands on with some of the real problems in the world to change your perspective. There are still plenty of grossly oppressed people in the world who would appreciate the help, even if it means missing time to argue on the internet about a race result.

Masi made a decision under pressure, and many aren't happy with it. He didn't commit genocide, provoke a peaceful country, or even do anything remotely comparable to a real world problem of any sort. I think you've lost yourself in the drama you've created and expect others to engage in it.

Fortitude

20th December 2021, 14:20

Horner believes Verstappen caught Hamilton by surprise
19th December 2021, ‎14‎:‎30
Author Anna Francis

"Classic Verstappen"
Horner is full of praise for the way in which Verstappen overtook Hamilton, a move that he thinks was "classic Verstappen".

"Naturally, we're going to roll the dice and go for it," Horner told The Telegraph.

"Max just refused to give up. You didn't hear him moaning on the radio. Every lap, he drove his heart out, then suddenly a chance presented itself.

"When you look at his pass at Turn 5, I don't think Lewis was expecting him to go through there. He didn't even defend. He was waiting for him more into Turn 6, but Max took him by surprise. Classic Verstappen."

Verstappen a deserving champion

Verstappen's debut F1 title might have been secured in controversial style, but Horner thinks that the Dutchman's performances throughout the season highlight his worthiness as a champion.

"Even entering that weekend, I felt Max deserved it for how he had driven, how he had applied himself, how he had kept fighting under the most intense pressure and scrutiny - even when he didn't have, in the second half of the year, the best car," Horner explained.

https://racingnews365.com/horner-believes-verstappen-caught-hamilton-by-surprise

Former Mercedes boss heaps praise on Verstappen
20th Dec 2021
Thomas Maher

A former Mercedes Sporting Director has lavished praise upon Max Verstappen, after the Dutch driver won his maiden F1 Drivers' Championship in Abu Dhabi.

Norbert Haug, who became a prominent figurehead for Mercedes during the 1990s as they partnered up with McLaren as engine suppliers, took to Red Bull's TV station in Austria to discuss the 2021 season and said the 24-year-old is "very special".

"One thing is certain: Max Verstappen is very, very special," he said in conversation with ServusTV.

"He makes incredible moves that often turn out very well. It rarely goes wrong and his margin of error has been reduced enormously.
"Verstappen is really special, you just have to admit that."

Joining Haug on the programme was Gerhard Berger, the ex-F1 driver, who agreed with the former Mercedes boss.

"In short, he will become World Champion several times," the Austrian racer predicted, although he believes there is still room for Verstappen to grow.

"He still needs to accelerate a little bit in his way up to the racing class but, if we look at the pure talent, he is an exceptional driver."

https://racingnews365.com/former-mercedes-boss-heaps-praise-on-verstappen

Max Verstappen full of praise for ‘awesome’ Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez
Perez played a crucial role as Verstappen defeated Lewis Hamilton to win the F1 title
Sports Staff

Max Verstappen has praised Sergio Perez’s “awesome” impact on his Formula One title-winning campaign.

Perez’s first full season at Red Bull coincided with Verstappen’s maiden F1 championship, as the Dutchman defeated Lewis Hamilton at the final race of the season to claim the title.

Verstappen was the dominant driver of the season, winning 10 races, but Perez’s contribution was illustrated by his committed defending against Hamilton during the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Verstappen called Perez a “legend” on his team radio after the Mexican held Hamilton up and brought the 24-year-old back into the race at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Red Bull have traditionally struggled to fill the second seat alongside Verstappen, with Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly struggling during their stints with the team, but Formula One’s newest champion revealed Perez had exceeded his expectations.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/formula1/f1-max-verstappen-perez-red-bull-b1979383.html

Max on his ‘really good friendship’ with Alonso
Date published: December 18 2021 - Finley Crebolder

Max Verstappen says he has a “really good friendship” with Fernando Alonso and that it’s “really nice” to talk to him.

The Spaniard has often spoken positively of the Red Bull driver, praising his style and admitting that he’d rather see the Dutchman than Lewis Hamilton win the 2021 title.

Verstappen has been complementary towards the Alpine man too, sharing memories of watching him race growing up, and he says the two of them have become good friends.

“At the moment, I have a really good friendship with Fernando because already, when I was still in go karting, I really liked his style,” the 24-year-old said in an interview on the CarNext YouTube channel.

“He’s also ‘never give up’ and a real fighter. Of course unfortunately now in the last few years he hasn’t been able to do that at the front, just because he doesn’t have the car.

“But I like his attitude. He’s really on fire. And also his drive and motivation at his age, to still be there in Formula 1, wanting to be there for a longer time, and he always wants to win.

“He always wants to do the best [he can]. For me, that’s really nice to see.”

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-fernando-alonso-friendship/

Hamilton to receive "no forgiveness" for FIA prize-giving snub
Sam Hall
Saturday 18 December 2021 10:00

Newly elected FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has warned Lewis Hamilton will find "no forgiveness" from F1's governing body if his non-attendance of the prize-giving gala is deemed to have breached regulations.

Neither seven-time champion Hamilton nor Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff attended the end of season FIA event in Paris on Thursday with James Allison instead collecting the constructors' championship trophy.

Although Wolff's attendance is not mandated, Hamilton's is specified in article 6.6 of the sporting regulations. It states: "The drivers finishing first, second and third in the Championship must be present at the annual FIA Prize Giving ceremony."

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/73738/hamilton-to-receive-quot-no-forgiveness-quot-for-fia-prize-giving-snub/

Fortitude

23rd December 2021, 17:20

AUSTRIAN COMMENTATORS GOING CRAZY! F1 2021 Abu dhabi LAST LAP (English Subtitles)
Dec 20, 2021

Abu dhabi 2021 reaction Ernst Hausleitner & Alex Wurz GOING CRAZY English subtitels LAST LAP Austrian COMMENTATOR GOING CRAZY F1 2021 Abu dhabi GP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_c8gw-N5Nc

"This has been MANIPULATED, man!" | Lewis & Max's final lap on-boards & team radio side by side! ��
Dec 14, 2021

Take a look back at that thrilling final lap from Abu Dhabi with a new perspective with both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton's onboards side by side!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys1KSo5PpGI

Christian Horner reaction to the final lap thriller in Abu Dhabi
Dec 23, 2021

It's edge of the seat stuff as Christian Horner and the Red Bull team watch the action packed final moments of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and witness their driver Max Verstappen clinch his maiden Formula 1 world title

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klcNPzqIUeA

F1 Fans Crazy Reaction Last Lap 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | Max Verstappen | Lewis Hamilton
Dec 21, 2021

F1 Fans Crazy Reaction Last Lap 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | Max Verstappen | Lewis Hamilton F1 Fans Reaction to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 Max Verstappen Overtakes Lewis Hamilton in Final Lap

Frans Kerens
Yep. Goosebumps again. Especialy when the crew starts running.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9syOShvryc

Verstappen vs. Hamilton Last Lap - Mercedes Garage at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021
Dec 17, 2021

Victor Tran
Simply lovely

WhyNot
Fantastic....the future is Orange.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGhJ92lZYL8

2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, final lap crowd reaction in Sydney!
Dec 17, 2021

Kwint
Im from the netherlands and i had no idea everyone over the whole world had the same reaction when max won. that was awesome haha it makes me happy to see everyone come together

renderice ib
The same reaction all over México. ��

xderJukes
Germany celebrated him like this aswell!

J053
Spain celebrated Max's victory almost like a championship for Alonso. SUPER MAX!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBnFUUUwC04

F1 Abu Dhabi 2021 - Reaction Netherlands - Max Verstappen World Champion
Dec 14, 2021

Johan Regalado
This was awesome!!!! I hope Max wins more F1 championships and the Netherlands win the football World Cup!!! Greetings from Guatemala!!! We also went crazy for Super Max!!! ��

Philip 416 GTi
Greetings from Greece!Max is the best!!Pure talent!He made the sport interesting and exciting again

音速のきつね
Thank you Max! Congratulations to the Netherlands! From Japan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyVhGQHOriE

Max Verstappen F1 biggest fan my son's reaction to winning the title
Premiered Dec 14, 2021

CrashForce
I think we all had a tear in our eyes when Max crossed the finish line in Abu Dhabi! That moment will probably be pretty special for your son as he grows up and remembers seeing Max win his first WDC live.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkMYWTuLFT0

Worldwide F1 fans reaction to Verstappen becoming World Champion
Dec 14, 2021

On 12-12-21 Max Verstappen earned his first Formula 1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi. Highly deserved after the phenomenal season he has had, and the terrible luck he has suffered. The FiA have been an absolute circus this season, typically in favor of Mercedes, this time Max finally got some justice. 10 wins 10 poles 18 podiums 652 laps led 3 races ruined through no fault of his own 2nd best car

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jeHeEwSGj0

Aus F1 fan reaction to Abu Dhabi last lap Max Verstappen championship
Dec 15, 2021

Broom stick 72
The way he asked toto to shut up ��

doubleOT
Shut up Toto lmaoo

Juned Ahmed
"Shut up toto you fuckwit", couldn't have said it any better ��

Ian F1 Expert
Most of Britain including me was so happy max won. Only the few knee bending weirdos wanted Lewis to win. ��

Coxy_Wrecked.
I'm English and have been a fan of Lewis throughout his career and I truly believe he's one of the best drivers of all time but I actually wanted Max to win because he's undoubtedly been the best driver this year and if it wasn't for some bad luck would have had the championship wrapped up a while ago in what happens to be an inferior car to the Merc.

Ida Steigenga
Great video ��.. Over here in Holland we're still talking 24/7 about Max his last lap ��
Priceless in every way. For once in 8 years something didn't work out Lewis way and Merc don't know how to accept it because they've never had to.

ARNON BOYD
Max has the fresher tires! Whose fault was that?! Mercedes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxFwU0AJFL0

Fortitude

24th December 2021, 10:27

Newey: We wouldn’t have won without the safety car
Paul Velasco
23 December, 2021

Adrian Newey knows a thing or two about designing Formula 1 World Championship cars, this year’s Red Bull RB16B penned by his team being his 11th title-winning creation, but he admits luck and the safety car helped Max Verstappen to the Title.

But this one was among the toughest battles the Red Bull design guru has experienced in his illustrious career – as the preeminent F1 designer of the past three decades – ending the dominance of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.

The Title was decided on the very last lap of a controversy packed Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when Verstappen, with the RB16B in fine fettle on fresh Pirelli Soft tyres, muscled his way past Hamilton’s Mercedes W12 on ageing Hards. But it very nearly slipped away on the night.

Newey recalled in an interview with Sky F1: “In the laps before the safety car, it looked like it was slipping away from us. Inevitably you start thinking about the year and what we could have done. Some unlucky moments.

Newey: Max thoroughly deserved it on balance
“Copse in particular which personally still really grinds with me what happened there. And then the Safety Car happened. We got lucky in that sense. There are no two ways about it, we would not have won without the safety car

“But if I reflect – and of course I am biased, I know – I think that Max thoroughly deserved it on balance,” argued Newey; a view shared by most neutrals who witnessed this year’s grand campaign.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2021/12/23/newey-we-wouldnt-have-won-without-the-safety-car/

Ecclestone: I don’t think Hamilton is coming back
Jad Mallak
23 December, 2021

With rumors regarding Lewis Hamilton’s future refusing to go away, former Formula 1 boss Bernie Eccleston said that the Briton is not coming back next season.

Ecclestone was the latest in a many F1 related personalities to give their opinion about the seven-time F1 World Champion’s future in the sport, who has been laying low ever since his controversial defeat at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, where he lost out on the F1 Title to rival Max Verstappen on the last lap of the race.

The 91-year-old Briton was speaking in an interview with Blick, and answered when asked if he talked to Hamilton post Abu Dhabi.
“No, but a few days ago with his father,” he said. “I immediately sensed that he wouldn’t answer a question about his son’s future. So we only talked business!

Ecclestone believes Hamilton won’t come back
Asked what he believed Hamilton is going through, he said: “I don’t know, but I don’t think he’s coming back.
“His disappointment is too great. And you can understand that in a way. Now it would be time, with seven world championship titles like Michael Schumacher, to tackle his dream of becoming a fashion entrepreneur.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2021/12/23/ecclestone-i-dont-think-hamilton-is-coming-back/

Horner: Honda boss smiled in Abu Dhabi for the first time in three years
23rd December 2021, ‎14‎:‎35

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner says Honda boss Toyoharu Tanabe smiled for the first time in three years when Max Verstappen won the Drivers' Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Verstappen's last-lap pass on Lewis Hamilton gave Honda their first title since Ayrton Senna in 1991, as they officially leave the sport at the end of the year.

Tanabe has been Honda's Formula 1 Technical Director since they partnered AlphaTauri in 2018, and Red Bull a year later in 2019.

Horner hinted that Tanabe rarely showed his emotions, but was able to put on a big smile when Verstappen became World Champion in Abu Dhabi.

"It's a great shame that Honda are leaving Formula 1 officially," Horner told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"It's the first World Championship for them in 30 years, so it's an enormous moment for them.

"Tanabe San was there 30 years ago, to witness that. He looks remarkably similar 30 years later, and he's the type of guy that we haven't seen smile in three years.

https://racingnews365.com/horner-honda-boss-smiled-in-abu-dhabi-for-the-first-time-in-three-years

Montoya expects F1 to gain new fans after dramatic Abu Dhabi finale
‎22‎ ‎December‎ ‎14‎:‎05
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes the drama of the Abu Dhabi showdown will bring in plenty of new fans to Formula 1.
Author Thomas Maher

"I think they tried to give the fans a really good show at the end of the race, and the people that don't follow the sport every week got to see an amazing race and a great finish - you're going to get new fans out of it," Montoya told Motorsport.tv.

"At the end of the day, [that] is the big picture and people are going to pay more attention to F1 - that is really important."

https://racingnews365.com/montoya-expects-f1-to-gain-new-fans-after-dramatic-abu-dhabi-finale

[EXTENDED VERSION] How worldwide Verstappen fans reacted during the GP Abu Dhabi 2021
Dec 16, 2021

ENJOY THIS EXTENDED VERSION!! Enjoy how Max Verstappen fans from all over the world reacted to that final lap, when Max Verstappen was crowned as the Formula 1 World Champion in Abu Dhabi, 2021.

Alejandro Aranda
Max Verstappen made millions of people around the world emotional and cry with his triumph. It made me feel in the times when Ayrton Senna achieved that in people. Max Verstappen logró que millones de personas en todos el mundo se emocionaran y lloraran con su triunfo. Me hizo sentir en las épocas cuando Ayrton Senna lograba eso en las personas.

Mark S.
There will never be a more exiting finish. What a race, what a season, what a champion!

Icaro
All the world pushed that car with Verstappen… Epic

Jos de Hommel
This makes my eyes watery all over again, from hartbreak to anger and in the end happiness just sheer happiness, great to see!! A moment for the ages for us Dutch… ��

DorkieShorty
I love how Max Verstappen is bringing the world together like this. love from the netherlands <3 for all max fans

Osvaldo Santander
I imagine Max watching this video. It must be absolutely sensible, for anyone, that so many people around the world hug, scream, jump like crazy for what he did. In one lap he drove millions of F1 fans crazy, and that has no price or words to describe it, right? Much deserved!

Ashley Hoch
Wow..it really shows just how much that final pass meant to to fans around the world. GO MAX!

saskiapanter
As a small country, these video's are very humbling. I really didn't realize so many people around the world support Max like a lot of people from the Netherlands do. Thank you so much. I love it ��

gamehuis
Tears in my eyes man. A moment for the ages.

Al
I’ve sat through emotional movies, speeches, real life incidents that would elicit insane tears from me, yet failed to.

Nothing, and I mean nothing will ever bring more tears from my eyes than this video.

Nothing encapsulates how me, my friends, and every other F1 fan - from the oldest of age to the latest ones that tuned in during the last hours of the season, nothing will match the unrivalled emotions this season gave, and subsequently, the video posted here.

A season where all the odds were stacked against a rookie who had the hallmarks of a champion, a season where I and some others went in with the assumption it’ll be another Mercedes-dominated breeze… it turned out to be the most nail-biting contest for glory I’ve ever seen.

Say what you will about the controversy surrounding the final lap - Max did do things right to earn the championship. And say what you will about how many anguished fans resorted to social media following these events - they are massively outnumbered by the colossal armies of viewers, from the Netherlands to America to Asia to Africa - the world not only watched Max win - the majority rooted for him. The majority wanted a contender after 6 years of the sport being dominated by one team that waned the reputation of Formula 1.

On that day, the world watched a new champion rise - one that some knew would make it to this point from the day he won at Barcelona - and for some who only found out about him and his name on that fateful day of the championship race.

Thank you, Max. You have brought tears and laughter, joy and excitement to the hearts of every fan who is passionate about not just drivers winning - but racing. Fans both old and new will remember and rejoice for this day. We love you and look forward to what you do next.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJVxGTTGF28