Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race and the world championship with the Netherlands flag on the podium as Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton looks dejected after finishing second REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race and the world championship with the Netherlands flag on the podium as Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton looks dejected after finishing second REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Max Verstappen is the 2021 Formula 1 champion. What a day for the Dutchman who has dethroned Mercedes in an incredible feat at Abu Dhabi. And no one would be prouder of the driver than his father, Jos Verstappen. Amongst all the tears and disbelief, his father, and the father of his rival, Anthony Hamilton, accompanied Max Verstappen.
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After what was an absolutely mind-boggling ending to a thrilling title finish, Verstappen kneeled at the wheels of his Red Bull wagon; absorbing the moment in all its glory, Verstappen needed more time later on. Later, sharing a moment with his father, the duo was soon joined by Anthony Hamilton.
Hamilton'ın babası, Jos ve Max'i tebrik ediyor. #Formula1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/HsYXIybIeE
— Motorsport.com Türkiye 🇹🇷 (@motorsportcomtr) December 12, 2021
A couple of congratulatory words were surely exchanged between Max and senior Hamilton, who ended the conversation with a respectful handshake.
Despite the hugely controversial ending to the race, the two rivals exchanged a hug after what has been a fascinating season in Formula 1. With a season and championship battle out of the way, it will be a race to look back on for both the drivers.
Max Verstappen narrowly bags his first title
As predicted, the championship went right down to the wire; last lap, last corner. As the championship trophy went further from Verstappen’s sight, the miracle that Christian Horner prayed for was bestowed upon Red Bull.
With a safety car and back-marker confusion, within moments, it was Hamilton and Verstappen racing wheel-to-wheel as they readied themselves for the final lap of the season. And what a lap that was. Two hungry drivers fought hard for their place, but in the end, it was Verstappen who wrote history.
Nothing but respect from these two!
They've given us a season none of us will ever forget 👏 pic.twitter.com/V0En5BR1O0
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) December 12, 2021
Although a heartbreaking moment for Hamilton, the Brit set the perfect example for good sportsmanship. Even amid post-race tension, he hugged and congratulate the man who prevented him from setting a record for the sport.
Nonetheless, it was the race ending of the century at Abu Dhabi; one that the sport will speak about for ages. As Max Verstappen sleeps tonight as a Formula 1 world champion, will it be the first of many?
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