In the upcoming Abu Dhabi race, if Max Verstappen secures his fifth world drivers championship, Lewis Hamilton may reflect with a hint of irony. Verstappen’s last title win in 2021, clinched at the final Formula One race, marked the beginning of his four consecutive championships, shrouded in controversy due to a contentious interpretation of safety car rules by then-race director Michael Masi.
The incident in Abu Dhabi four years ago, where Verstappen snatched the title from Hamilton on the last lap, still irks Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s former boss at Mercedes. Wolff recently criticized the chaotic situation, attributing the outcome to a controversial decision by Masi. A subsequent FIA investigation in 2022 acknowledged Masi’s error in applying safety car regulations.
Since that controversial race, Hamilton has not been in contention for the championship, while Verstappen has been dominating the field. As the odds favor Lando Norris, Verstappen’s potential fifth consecutive win looms large, positioning him among the elite few to have achieved such success in Formula One history.
Verstappen’s 2021 success was matched by a superior car in 2022 and 2023, despite some setbacks during the last season. Heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen is within reach of the championship, trailing Norris by a small margin. If Verstappen secures victory and Norris falls short, it would mark a remarkable achievement considering his car’s perceived inferiority to the McLaren throughout the season.
Reflecting on his past victories, Verstappen acknowledged the unexpected challenge this season, highlighting his determination to stay in the championship fight. While his comments on Norris’s McLaren raised eyebrows, the underlying truth was evident to Formula One insiders. As memories of past injustices fade, Verstappen’s legacy as a formidable driver continues to grow, leaving a lasting mark on the sport.