There is no more drama: Max Verstappen is world champion

The Dutchman Max Verstappen is Formula 1 world champion for the first time in his career. The Red Bull star won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday with an overtaking maneuver on the last lap when he passed his World Championship opponent Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes, who had been leading the race until then. Verstappen and the Brit went into the last race of this year with the same points total.

The race in Abu Dhabi was a finale that made Formula 1 hearts beat faster. Briefly summarized: Verstappen started from pole position, but didn't get off to a good start and promptly had to let Hamilton overtake him. This situation remained the same until shortly before the end. But then the safety car came into action after an accident. Verstappen got fresh tires, Hamilton didn't. When the race was reopened on the very last lap, the Dutchman took advantage of the moment, launched a spectacular overtaking maneuver and snatched the title away from Hamilton at the last minute. A year of borderline experiences “Oh my God, I can’t believe it,” Verstappen shouted over the radio in the desert night in Abu Dhabi. The 24-year-old Dutchman destroyed Hamilton's hopes of winning his eighth title with his adrenaline rush - the 36-year-old Briton remains with seven like Michael Schumacher. It was a year of borderline experiences. Formula 1 steered through the next Corona season - and in Verstappen vs. Hamilton it found the most breathless title duel in years. Silverstone, Monza, Jeddah – there was also a crash between Verstappen and Hamilton. Before the final there was a high risk of escalation.

Thousands of Dutch fans cheer Max Verstappen. © APA/afp / GIUSEPPE CACACE

For the first time since 1974, two drivers raced into the final with equal points. Verstappen even raised the tension level again with his fabulous pole on Saturday, with Hamilton lurking right behind. Then this start from the Brit! Hamilton literally shot away, Verstappen only rolled slowly - a tenth of a second in the reaction time was crucial after the red lights went out. Hamilton's dream start and a near crash Already on the first lap in turn six, the Dutchman attacked at the limit, braked extremely late and left no room for his rival. The Englishman had to leave the course. First Verstappen complained that Hamilton had left the track. Then Hamilton complained that Verstappen had forced him out. “That’s unbelievable,” complained Verstappen. He didn't see himself as remotely complicit and took refuge in the role of victim.

<a data-caption="Mit Verstappen (Mitte) und Red-Bull-Chef Christian Horner sind außer sich vor Freude, Lewis Hamilton (links) und der drittplatzierte Carlos Sainz schauen zu. © APA/afp / GIUSEPPE CACACE" data-fancybox="inline-93089" target="_image" href="https://s3-images.sportnews.bz/_images/scale/1280x1280/img/2021/12/mit-verstappen-mitte-und-red-bull-chef-christian-horner-sind-ausser-sich-vor-freude-lewis-hamilton-links-und-der-drittplatzierte-carlos-sainz-scha.jpg"> Verstappen (center) and Red Bull boss Christian Horner are beside themselves with joy, Lewis Hamilton (left) and third-placed Carlos Sainz are watching. © APA/afp / GIUSEPPE CACACE

As a result, Hamilton continued to circle at the front before things got very exciting at the finish. Five laps before the end, a latecomer, Nicolas Latifi, had an accident and the safety car came onto the track. As with a previous safety car phase, Verstappen immediately drove into the pits again and put on super soft tires, Hamilton stayed outside again. The “Stars” were counting on the fact that the race would no longer be released. Controversial decision According to the race management, the lapped drivers were initially not allowed to move back as usual, which ultimately seemed to cement the World Cup decision in Hamilton's favor. “I’m not surprised,” Verstappen radioed ironically from the car.

But then race director Michael Masi reversed his decision and released the race again with one lap to go. “That’s not okay!” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff angrily. Verstappen, on the other hand, seized the opportunity of the century, overtook Hamilton with a hard maneuver and became world champion for the first time.

Mercedes didn't like it at all and added more End of race objection .

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There is no more drama: Max Verstappen is world champion

What a thriller! In the last kilometers of an incredible Formula 1 season, Max Verstappen intercepts Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi. The Dutchman is world champion for the first time.

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