In the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a potential fifth world drivers championship for Max Verstappen could evoke a knowing grin from Lewis Hamilton. The last time Verstappen claimed a title at the final Formula One race was in 2021, marking the start of his four consecutive crowns amidst controversy.
The contentious victory stemmed from an unusual safety car procedure interpretation by then-race director Michael Masi, leading to Verstappen’s last-lap overtake of Hamilton for an eighth world title. The incident, still a sore point for Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s former Mercedes team principal, was deemed a result of Masi’s incorrect application of regulations, labeled as ‘human error’ by an FIA investigation in 2022.
Since that eventful day in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton has trailed in the championship race, thwarting his quest to surpass Michael Schumacher’s record. Conversely, Verstappen’s dominance has been unrivaled, setting the stage for a potential fifth consecutive title, despite current odds favoring Lando Norris.
If Verstappen secures a fifth championship, it would solidify his claim as one of the greatest drivers of all time, joining the elite ranks alongside Hamilton, Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio. While his 2021 season saw a closely matched Red Bull against Mercedes, the subsequent years showcased Red Bull’s superior performance, albeit with intermittent challenges and internal team turmoil.
With the final race approaching, Verstappen trails Norris by a mere four points, with a victory in Abu Dhabi potentially clinching the title if Norris misses the podium. Such an accomplishment would be a remarkable highlight in Verstappen’s career, especially considering Red Bull’s season-long inferiority to McLaren.
Reflecting on his achievements, Verstappen’s modesty shines through as he acknowledges the unexpected challenge despite his previous successes. His confidence in his abilities, juxtaposed with an acknowledgment of the machinery’s influence on performance, underscores his competitive spirit.
While the shadow of Abu Dhabi 2021 still looms, Verstappen’s continued excellence on the track solidifies his legacy, gradually overshadowing past controversies and establishing his place among legends in Formula One.