The result of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains a highly divisive topic to this day. Hamilton led for the entire race and looked destined to become F1’s first eight-time champion, but FIA race director Michael Masi’s botched handling of a late safety car opened the door for Verstappen to overtake and win on the final lap.
The Red Bull racer’s subsequent title successes have been far less tense. He was wholly dominant in the 2022 and 2023 campaigns and, though Lando Norris pushed him hard last year, the Dutchman still summited the standings by 63 points at the end of the season.
“He was extremely good in 2023 too,” Verstappen Snr told F1 Insider. “But, of course, 2024 was more difficult for him because the car wasn’t the best in the field and he therefore always had to drive at the limit without making any mistakes.
“He did that extremely well. He has always given 100 percent, but this year it was more noticeable. People noticed that Max can make the difference compared to others.”
