Formula 1 enthusiasts continue to identify the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a pivotal and controversial event in the sport’s history. Fan sentiment frequently points to the championship decider as the most significant scandal, a topic that still generates considerable discussion among the global F1 audience.
The controversy centered on the final laps of the 2021 season finale at Yas Marina Circuit. A late Safety Car period, triggered by a crash, brought Lewis Hamilton and title rival Max Verstappen into close proximity. Hamilton held a commanding lead before the incident.
Race Director Michael Masi initially instructed that no lapped cars would be permitted to overtake. However, this decision was subsequently altered, allowing only the five lapped cars positioned between Hamilton and Verstappen to un-lap themselves. This left Hamilton vulnerable on older tyres.
Following the Safety Car’s immediate withdrawal, Verstappen, on fresh soft tyres, overtook Hamilton on the final lap to secure the Drivers’ Championship. Mercedes lodged protests against the race outcome, which were ultimately dismissed by the stewards.
The FIA launched an inquiry into the events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, releasing its findings in March 2022. The report concluded that Masi acted in ‘good faith’ but made a ‘human error’ by not allowing all lapped cars to un-lap themselves.
In response to the inquiry’s recommendations, significant changes were implemented for the 2022 Formula 1 season. The Sporting Regulations were clarified to state that ‘all’ cars that have been lapped must un-lap themselves, replacing the previous ‘any’ wording.
Furthermore, the FIA developed new software to automate the communication of lapped cars, reducing the risk of human error. The role of the Race Director was restructured, and direct radio communications between teams and the Race Director were restricted to minimize external pressure.
Lewis Hamilton, currently competing for Ferrari in the 2026 Formula 1 season, continues his career following this historically debated championship conclusion. His move to Ferrari was confirmed as part of a multi-year deal extending at least until the end of 2026.
