With the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 concluding in the Persian Gulf, Max Verstappen secured his maiden World Championship. Max finished with a time of 1:30:17.345, earning 26 points for the Red Bull Racing team. While this was Verstappen’s first-ever title, the landmark achievement is Honda’s first in 30 years, since Aryton Senna won in 1991. Lewis Hamilton followed in +2.256s behind the Dutchman, scoring 18 points in the Mercedes. Carlos Sainz came in third in the Ferrari, +5.173s behind the Mercedes, scoring 15 points for the team.
At the age of 24 years and 66 days, Max Verstappen has become one of the youngest-ever Formula 1 champions. Max is also the youngest to ever start a Grand Prix at 17 years and 166 days. Other Formula 1 Champions such as Emerson Fittipaldi won his first championship in 1972 at the age of 25 years and 273 days of age. Fittipaldi secured the constructors’ championship for Team Lotus and became the youngest world champion in 1972.
Sebastian Vettel, at the age of 23 years and 133 days, became the youngest-ever Formula 1 world champion. At 23 years and 300 days, Lewis Hamilton became the youngest Formula 1 world champion in 2008. If Hamilton clinches the 2022 title for Mercedes, he will be the oldest F1 champion since Alain Prost.
While Lewis Hamilton on the medium-tyres shot off during the start, soft-tyre shod Max Verstappen tried to take the lead back in turn 6. Max nudged Lewis wide and over the run-off, but the Mercedes driver continued to lead the race. During the pit window, Max Verstappen came in on Lap 13 and Lewis Hamilton a lap later.
Nicholas Latifi crashed, bringing out the safety car during which Verstappen pitted for soft tyres. And with just one green flag lap remaining, Verstappen made a pass on Hamilton into Lap 5. Sergio Perez also played an important role in holding off Hamilton on Laps 20 to 21. However, Checo retired on Lap 56 under a Safety Car brought out for Latifi.
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