Max Verstappen wins Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and crowned as 2021 Worlds Champion

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has entered the Formula 1 history books after becoming the Netherlands’ first ever world champion – and claiming his team’s first drivers’ title since 2013.

Following the conclusion of a blockbuster 2021 season, Verstappen earned the drivers’ crown after a duel with his title rival Lewis Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale, winning out on the very last lap of a dramatic encounter.

Max Verstappen secured his maiden World Championship with victory in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton finishing second as the race ended in a nail-biting one-lap sprint after a late Safety Car caused by Nicholas Latifi’s crash.

The result, which saw Valtteri Bottas finish sixth and Sergio Perez retire, means Mercedes have clinched a record eighth consecutive constructors’ championship.

“It’s insane. I don’t know what to say. I’m so pleased for the team and for all these guys. I love working with them so much. Finally today I had a bit of luck. My team know I love them and I want to do this with them for the next 10 or 15 years!”,

“My goal when I was little was to become a Formula 1 driver. You hope for wins, podiums, to hear the Dutch National Anthem. And now to be here, as world champion, with my Dad here. My family, my friends, the one’s who pushed me to be better – they are all here. To see all this orange here, all over the world, the way they have supported me is incredible and I hope I can do this for them for a very long time.” – said the newly crowned World Champion.

Lewis Hamilton was devastated after losing out the championship in the final lap after leading the entire race from the start. But the Brit was gracious as he wished Max and Red Bull.

“Firstly, big congratulations to Max and to his team. “But I’m so proud of my own team and we gave it absolutely everything. I’ve felt great in the car the last couple of months. We’ll see what happens next year“- said the Seven World Champion.

Max Verstappen not shied away from praising his title challenger for an incredible season long fight. “Lewis is an amazing driver and an amazing competitor. We’ve had tough times but it’s part of sport, everyone wants to win. Next year we’ll come back and try and do it all over again”.

Carlos Sainz took the final podium place ahead of AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda in P4 – while AlphaTauri team mate Pierre Gasly rounded out the top five. Valtteri Bottas struggled to P6, running as low as eighth, and losing a potential podium spot from fourth to sixth under the final Safety Car.

Alpine took points with Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon eighth and ninth respectively, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounding out the top 10.

Alfa Romeo suffered a double retirement as Kimi Raikkonen bowed out on Lap 26, team mate Antonio Giovinazzi 10 laps later. Latifi was Williams’ second retiree after George Russell bowed out from his tenure with the team with a loss of drive on Lap 27.