GREATEST RACES #11: Max Verstappen dramatically edges out Lewis Hamilton after an epic, season-long battle – 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Coming in at #11 on our list of ‘Greatest Races’ is the final-round showdown from the 2021 season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
To mark F1's 75th anniversary celebrations, F1.com is counting down the sport's 25 greatest races with a new feature every week. While you may not agree with the order, we hope you enjoy the stories of these epic races that have helped make this sport what it is today. You can read the introduction to the series and see the list of races here.
Coming in at No. 11 on our list is the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which brought a dramatic conclusion to Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s breathtaking scrap for the championship. Phillip Horton shares the story from start to finish below...
2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: The Dramatic Finale of a Legendary Championship Battle
Coming in at No. 11 on our list is the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a race that remains etched in the memories of motorsport fans worldwide. This grand prix wasn’t just a race; it was the epic conclusion to one of the most intense and riveting battles in Formula 1 history between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
From the roar of the engines on the Yas Marina Circuit to the tension that stretched every second to the limit, the story unfolded with drama, skill, and controversy. The championship duel had been neck and neck throughout the season, with both drivers pushing their machines—and each other—to the edge.
Phillip Horton takes us through the race from start to finish, capturing the adrenaline and the pivotal moments that shaped this unforgettable showdown.
The race began with all eyes on the two title contenders. Hamilton, starting on pole, looked to control the race, while Verstappen was determined to close the gap in his bid for glory. Throughout the race, strategies shifted, pit stops were timed to perfection—and the lead switched hands in a delicate dance of speed and precision.
However, it was the final laps where the grand prix truly exploded into legendary status. A late Safety Car deployment compressed the field, setting the stage for a nail-biting sprint to the finish. Decisions made by race control and the unfolding on-track battles turned the race on its head, culminating in Verstappen seizing the lead on the very last lap to clinch his first World Championship.
This race did more than crown a champion. It sparked debates, divided opinions, and changed the course of Formula 1 regulations and governance. It showcased the raw passion, tactical intelligence, and the fine margins that define the pinnacle of motorsport.
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the perfect storm of drama and excellence—a fitting climax to a season that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last moment. It remains a defining chapter in the sport’s history and a lasting testament to the fierce rivalry between two of the greats, Verstappen and Hamilton.