Max Verstappen won his first World Championship in Abu Dhabi in December of 2021 under controversial circumstances.
Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton went toe to toe for the World Title last season. They were so evenly matched throughout the campaign that they went into the season finale level on points.
The finale, however, will live long in the memory of F1 fans for being one of the most controversial of all time. Hamilton was in control of the majority of the race. It seemed like he had his eighth World Title in the bag before a late race safety car changed the course of the evening.
MAX VERSTAPPEN. WORLD CHAMPION!!!
A stunning season by an extraordinary talent#HistoryMade #F1 @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/FxT9W69xJe
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2021
After the safety car came out, then race director Michael Masi made a series of questionable calls that gave Verstappen an unprecedented advantage over his rival. This effectively handed Verstappen a golden opportunity and the 24-year-old passed the Mercedes driver on the final lap to win the World Title.
Despite multiple protests and a massive meltdown after the race, Mercedes were not able to overturn the result. It was a painful moment for the Brackley-based outfit, and team boss Toto Wolff has not forgotten.
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Toto Wolff thinks about Max Verstappen win every single day
In spite of being vocal against Masi’s decision making, Wolff never took away Verstappen’s merit. The Dutchman had been spectacular all season long, and Wolff believes he deserved to win, just not under those circumstances.
It’s been seven months since the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, but the defeat still lives fresh in the Mercedes boss’ head. However, he fully credits Verstappen for lifting his first World Championship.
Michael Masi has been removed as F1 race director as part of a restructure at governing body the FIA in the wake of last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Those inside the sport have been reacting to that decision…
Full story 👇#bbcf1
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 17, 2022
“I think about it every day,” he said to Motorsport. “But I accepted that Max won the championship, because he is a champion who deserves what he got.”
“As it turned out, look, I think I have important values like fairness. And in particular sporting fairness, and that’s what gave birth to my love of sport. Unfortunately, on that particular day, this value was kicked down.”
Verstappen continued his stunning form into the 2022 campaign as well. He is currently 80 points ahead of second placed Charles Leclerc with just nine races to, and is favorite to win the Title once again.
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