Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Lewis Hamilton claimed a crucial victory in one of the most chaotic and controversial races in Formula 1 history, bringing the championship battle to a winner-takes-all finale in Abu Dhabi. The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the super-fast Jeddah Corniche Circuit delivered mayhem with multiple collisions, two red flags, and a contentious collision between the title rivals that left both teams furious.

The race descended into chaos from the opening laps. Multiple crashes brought out red flags, including a massive incident involving Mick Schumacher that split the field and allowed strategic reshuffling. The pivotal and most controversial moment came on lap 37 when Verstappen was instructed by race control to give a position back to Hamilton after allegedly gaining an advantage by going off-track while defending. As Verstappen slowed on the main straight to let Hamilton through, the Mercedes driver - unclear about Verstappen's intentions - stayed behind and then hit the back of the Red Bull, sustaining front wing damage. The bizarre collision sparked immediate accusations from both camps about who was at fault.

Verstappen received a 10-second time penalty for the earlier defensive move, while also earning a 5-second penalty for another incident. Hamilton took the lead and held on brilliantly to win despite his damaged front wing, also claiming fastest lap for maximum points. Verstappen finished second with Valtteri Bottas third. The result meant Hamilton and Verstappen arrived at Abu Dhabi tied on 369.5 points each, setting up the most dramatic championship decider in decades. The acrimonious Saudi Arabian race exemplified the intense and often bitter rivalry that had defined the 2021 season.