Complete calendar with 22 races
The 2021 Formula 1 season delivered one of the most thrilling and controversial championships in the sport's history, culminating in a dramatic final-lap showdown at Abu Dhabi between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. The season-long battle between Red Bull and Mercedes produced unforgettable wheel-to-wheel racing, contentious incidents, and ultimately a title decided in the most extraordinary circumstances.
The championship fight evolved into a genuine season-long duel, with the advantage constantly shifting between the two protagonists. Lewis Hamilton, seeking a record-breaking eighth World Championship, started strongly with victories in Bahrain, Portugal, and Spain. However, Max Verstappen's aggressive racecraft and Red Bull's RB16B proved formidable weapons, with the Dutchman taking wins at Imola, Monaco, and multiple other circuits. The two drivers' contrasting styles and generational clash created compelling narratives throughout the season.
Several flashpoint incidents intensified the rivalry and sparked fierce debate. At Silverstone, Hamilton and Verstappen collided at Copse Corner, sending the Red Bull driver into the barriers at high speed and resulting in a 51G impact. Hamilton recovered to win, but the incident deepened tensions between the teams. At Monza, the two made contact again, with Verstappen's car landing on top of Hamilton's Mercedes, saved only by the halo safety device. Further controversial moments at Brazil and Saudi Arabia, where aggressive defending and wheel-to-wheel combat pushed the boundaries of acceptable racing, set the stage for an explosive finale.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix became the most controversial race in modern Formula 1 history. Hamilton and Verstappen entered the season finale tied on 369.5 points, creating a winner-takes-all scenario. Hamilton dominated the race and appeared certain to claim his eighth title until Nicholas Latifi's crash with five laps remaining triggered a Safety Car. In a sequence of events that sparked immense controversy, Race Director Michael Masi made the unprecedented decision to allow only select lapped cars to unlap themselves, enabling a final-lap shootout. Verstappen, having pitted for fresh soft tires during the Safety Car, overtook Hamilton on the final lap to claim his first World Championship.
The aftermath proved tumultuous. Mercedes protested the result, citing irregular application of Safety Car procedures, but the protests were dismissed. The FIA later admitted "human error" played a role in the controversial decisions, removed Michael Masi from his position as Race Director, and implemented rule changes to prevent similar situations. The incident overshadowed what had been an epic sporting contest and left lingering questions about the integrity of the title's conclusion.
Beyond the title fight, the season featured impressive performances from multiple drivers. Lando Norris established himself as McLaren's leader with consistent podium finishes, while George Russell's stunning qualifying lap at Spa demonstrated his readiness for Mercedes. Carlos Sainz adapted brilliantly to Ferrari, and Fernando Alonso's return to Alpine after two years away showcased his enduring talent at age 40. Sergio Perez's defensive masterclass in Turkey, holding off Hamilton to protect Verstappen's championship hopes, proved crucial to Red Bull's success.
Mercedes secured their eighth consecutive Constructors' Championship despite the drivers' title controversy, demonstrating the team's continued engineering excellence. However, the season marked a changing of the guard in Formula 1 - while Hamilton's brilliance remained undimmed, Verstappen's emergence as champion signaled a new era. His combination of raw speed, aggressive racecraft, and unwavering confidence under pressure marked him as the sport's new standard-bearer.
The 2021 season will forever be remembered for its dramatic conclusion and the controversy surrounding Abu Dhabi. While the finale's circumstances remain divisive, the season as a whole delivered some of the finest racing in Formula 1 history. The Hamilton-Verstappen rivalry produced moments of sublime skill and fierce competition that captivated global audiences, even as the manner of its resolution sparked debates that continue to resonate throughout the sport. Verstappen's first championship, however it came, launched what would become a dominant era, while for Hamilton, it represented a painful near-miss in his pursuit of sporting immortality.