In a possible scenario where Max Verstappen secures a fifth world drivers championship in Abu Dhabi this weekend, Lewis Hamilton may find some irony in the situation. The last time Verstappen clinched a world title at the final Formula One race was in 2021, marking the beginning of his four consecutive championships amid controversy.
The contentious victory stemmed from a unique interpretation of safety car regulations by the then-race director Michael Masi, leading to Verstappen passing Hamilton on the final lap to snatch the eighth world title from the British driver. Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s former boss at Mercedes, still harbors resentment over the events of that day in Abu Dhabi four years ago, emphasizing the chaotic nature of the situation caused by Masi’s decision-making.
Despite an FIA investigation in 2022 attributing the outcome to human error, the final world championship standings remained unchanged. Since then, Hamilton has not been in contention to surpass Michael Schumacher on the all-time list, while Verstappen’s dominance has continued, making him a strong contender for a fifth consecutive championship alongside the current favorite, Lando Norris.
Verstappen’s potential fifth championship victory, if it materializes, would solidify his status as a candidate for the title of Greatest Of All Time, aligning him with F1 legends like Hamilton, Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio. While his 2021 season saw a closely matched battle with Hamilton, the subsequent years have showcased Red Bull’s superior performance, despite challenges and internal team turmoil.
With only nine races remaining in the current season, Verstappen has overcome significant point differentials to close in on the championship lead, now trailing Norris by a mere four points. A win in Abu Dhabi coupled with Norris missing the podium could secure the championship for Verstappen, marking a remarkable achievement considering Red Bull’s perceived inferiority to McLaren throughout the season.
Reflecting on his journey to potential victory, Verstappen acknowledged the unexpected nature of his championship contention, emphasizing the competitive landscape of F1. As the final race approaches, the narrative of Verstappen’s rise to greatness amidst past controversies and current challenges underscores the evolving dynamics of Formula One and the enduring legacy he seeks to establish.