Formula One World Championship 2021 ended with an epic final round in Abu Dhabi. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen became the World Champion for the first time by overtaking Mercedes’ seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton in the very last lap.
Hamilton remained in control for most of the race. Lately, a safety car for a crash at the back allowed Verstappen to change tires, and race control allowed leading contenders to go past the safety car and continue racing for one final lap.
With his fresher and faster tires, Verstappen overtook Hamilton to finish one of the most dramatic title contests in Formula One history, becoming the first Dutch driver to win the Championship.
This is the first time a non-Mercedes driver has claimed the F1 title since hybrid powertrains were introduced in 2014, combining IC engines with electric motors.
This also gives a satisfying goodbye to Red Bull’s engine manufacturer Honda, who ended their partnership following the 2021 Championship.
