Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen entered the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with an equal number of points. The two drivers were in a tight competition for the Formula 1 world championship. However, it has been more than two years since the controversial events of that race unfolded. Hamilton recently expressed his belief that he was unjustly 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 a crash 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.
While Hamilton was undoubtedly disappointed with the outcome of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, he emphasized that his father’s presence and support 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 experiences a twinge of pain whenever he revisits the footage of that race.
Hamilton and Verstappen were tied on points before the Abu Dhabi GP, showcasing the intense competition between the two drivers. Hamilton, a seasoned 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 final 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 years to come.