We’ve all heard of the controversial end to the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. There, Lewis Hamilton misplaced the race — and the championship title — to rival Max Verstappen. Hamilton watched his potential file of eight world championships disappear after what most F1 followers thought of poor officiating by the race director Michael Masi.
In a Vainness Truthful interview, Hamilton described his ideas and feelings through the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix end.
The controversial F1 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix End
To grasp the controversy surrounding the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, we should first have a look at the occasions main as much as it. Earlier than the ultimate race of the season, Hamilton and the younger Max Verstappen had been tied on equal factors. The impasse meant whoever completed forward within the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix would win the season.
Hamilton and his Mercedes Benz workforce did all they may to assist him obtain a brand new world file. He would grow to be the primary man within the sport’s historical past to win eight world championships. Hamilton already held quite a few different F1 data, together with most F1 wins (103) and most F1 factors (4193.5).
However, in keeping with Sports activities Large information, Max Verstappen had a lot fewer data earlier than his large Abu Dhabi win. His file included the youngest F1 factors scorer, youngest F1 winner, and some extra.
Nevertheless, because the race got here to its last levels, a choice by the race director Michael Masi modified issues in favor of Verstappen, inflicting an uproar. With 5 laps remaining, Hamilton led 11 seconds forward of Verstappen. The protection automobile got here out onto the observe resulting from an incident involving Nicholas Latifi’s Williams automobile. To anybody with an in-depth understanding of F1 guidelines, Hamilton appeared destined to win the season in an anticlimactic ceremonial procession.
As an alternative, the race director improvised a rule with out precedent. The ruling resulted in a last lap of what most thought of superficially aggressive racing. It was a lap that Hamilton couldn’t win regardless of his preliminary lead since Verstappen, now behind him, had a major velocity benefit resulting from his recent tires. Finally, Hamilton misplaced the F1 title to Verstappen.
After controversy and backlash, an inquiry occurred. Michael transferred from his put up as race director regardless of help from F1 Champ Sebastian Vettel. The official report regarded the occasion as a human error in judgment made in good religion. The foundations had been then clarified and up to date to forestall a repeat. Nevertheless, the outcomes stood.
Lewis Hamilton breaks down the controversial F1 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix End
Because the checkered flag flew, Hamilton’s world crashed, realizing he misplaced the championship title. In an interview with Vainness Truthful, Hamilton described his ideas and feelings at that second. “It was the hardest second I’ve had in a very long time. I recall sitting there in absolute disbelief and realizing I’ve bought to undo my belts and climb out of this factor. I’ve to seek out the energy. My worst fears got here alive.”
So intense was the sensation of disbelief that when Hamilton ultimately bought out of the automobile, he didn’t know the place his father was, regardless of his dad standing beside him. Nevertheless, like a fantastic sportsman, Hamilton dealt with it gracefully no public venting, no shouting, raging, and even declaiming the unfairness.
As an alternative, he composed himself, walked over to Max Verstappenand, and shook his hand. Hamilton congratulated his rival on the win in a present of nice sportsmanship.
What did different celebrities consider the controversial F1 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix End?
Because the controversy performed out, a lot of Hamilton’s movie star mates, together with Sebastien Ogier, George Lucas, Mellody Hobson, and Tom Brady, supported him.
Married couple George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, who had been each in Abu Dhabi to see Hamilton play, characterised the occasion as a horrible act. After the race, they bought to see him and Hamilton apologized for having them journey internationally solely to see him lose.
Nevertheless, the couple wouldn’t have it. They defined that this was exactly why they got here — to help in case he misplaced, not in case he received. Tom Brady, who additionally watched the occasion from residence, commented on the controversial determination calling it the craziest ending of all loopy endings.
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