In Abu Dhabi this weekend, there is a possibility that Max Verstappen could secure his fifth world drivers championship, which might bring a knowing smirk to Lewis Hamilton’s face. The last time Verstappen clinched a world title at the final Formula One race was in 2021, marking the beginning of his four consecutive titles, amidst a controversial victory.
During that eventful race, an unconventional interpretation of safety car protocols by the then race director Michael Masi allowed Verstappen to overtake Hamilton on the final lap, leading to a historic eighth world title for the Dutch driver. Toto Wolff, who was Hamilton’s team principal at Mercedes at that time, still feels the sting of that day, expressing his frustration over the chaotic turn of events.
Although an FIA investigation later determined that Masi had made errors in applying safety car rules due to human error, the championship standings remained unchanged. Since then, Hamilton has not been in contention for a title that could surpass Michael Schumacher on the all-time list, while Verstappen has continued his dominance in the sport.
Despite initial odds favoring Lando Norris, Verstappen, in his Red Bull, has the chance to secure a fifth consecutive championship victory on Sunday. Another triumph for Verstappen would solidify his status as one of the greatest drivers in history, standing alongside legends like Hamilton, Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio in the GOAT conversation.
While Hamilton’s Mercedes and Verstappen’s Red Bull were evenly matched in 2021, the Red Bull proved to be superior in the following seasons. Even with some setbacks in performance and team dynamics, Verstappen’s determination has kept him in the title race against the odds.
Heading into the final race, Verstappen trails Norris by 12 points, with only four points separating him from the current leader, Oscar Piastri. If Verstappen wins in Abu Dhabi and Norris fails to reach the podium, the Dutch driver will emerge as the champion, achieving a remarkable feat considering the perceived superiority of the McLaren throughout the season.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, Verstappen acknowledged the unexpected nature of his championship challenge, highlighting the competitiveness of his Red Bull. Despite the lighthearted banter from Norris and McLaren, Verstappen’s confidence in his abilities and the performance of his car remains unwavering.
As memories of past injustices fade with time, Verstappen’s legacy in Formula One continues to grow, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.