Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen entered the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with the same number of points. The two drivers were in a fierce competition for the Formula 1 World Championship. However, it has been over two years since the controversial events of that race. Hamilton recently expressed his belief that he was unfairly deprived of victory on that fateful night in Abu Dhabi.
During the 58-lap race, Hamilton was on track to secure his eighth world championship. However, the race took a chaotic turn when an accident involving a Williams driver occurred on lap 53. The decisions made by the then FIA Director had a significant impact on Hamilton’s chances of winning. In a recent interview, the 39-year-old driver discussed the events of that night in detail.
Although Hamilton was undoubtedly disappointed with the outcome of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he emphasized that the presence and support of his father meant more to him. He also revealed that he approached Max Verstappen to congratulate him on his first world championship victory. Despite feeling robbed of the title, Hamilton has found some peace with the passage of time. However, he still feels a twinge of pain whenever he revisits the images of that race.
Hamilton and Verstappen were tied on points before the Abu Dhabi GP, showing the intense competition between the two drivers. Hamilton, an experienced veteran in Formula 1 since 2007, has established himself as a legendary figure in the sport. Despite the setback in 2021, he continues to compete in F1. His move to Ferrari in 2025 is likely his last attempt to secure an eighth championship. However, he faces a formidable challenge from the talented Verstappen and there are no guarantees that Ferrari will produce championship-winning cars in the coming years.