In the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, should Max Verstappen secure his fifth world drivers championship, Lewis Hamilton is likely to reflect on the situation with a touch of irony. This scenario would echo Verstappen’s contentious victory in 2021, where an unexpected safety car decision by then race director Michael Masi enabled Verstappen to snatch the title from Hamilton on the final lap.
The disputed outcome of that race still irks Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s former boss at Mercedes, who recently expressed his frustration at the perceived loss of control over the situation. Despite subsequent investigations revealing errors in the safety car regulations application, the title standings remained unchanged.
Verstappen’s dominant performance in recent seasons has placed him on the cusp of joining the elite ranks of drivers with five championships, including Hamilton, Schumacher, and Fangio. His Red Bull team’s superior car performance in 2022 and 2023 has bolstered his chances, albeit amidst internal team challenges.
As the championship battle intensifies going into the final race, Verstappen faces an uphill task, trailing behind both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the points standings. However, a victory in Abu Dhabi coupled with Norris missing the podium could see Verstappen clinch the title against the odds, marking a remarkable milestone in his career.
Verstappen’s impressive track record and unwavering determination have solidified his position as a formidable contender in Formula One, prompting discussions about his potential to etch his name among the sport’s greatest legends. While the controversial events of Abu Dhabi 2021 remain etched in memory, Verstappen’s achievements continue to shape his legacy as one of the sport’s standout talents.