Lewis Hamilton may find some irony in the situation if Max Verstappen secures his fifth world drivers championship in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Verstappen previously clinched a world title at the final Formula One race in 2021, marking the start of his four consecutive championships amid controversy stemming from safety car procedures misinterpreted by Michael Masi, who was later removed as race director. This decision allowed Verstappen to overtake Hamilton on the last lap and claim his eighth world title.
Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s former boss at Mercedes, still holds resentment over the events of that day in Abu Dhabi, expressing frustration at the situation that led to Hamilton losing the championship. Despite an FIA investigation revealing errors in safety car regulations application by Masi, the championship standings remained unchanged. Verstappen, on the other hand, continued his dominance, positioning himself for a potential fifth consecutive title victory, with Lando Norris as a strong contender.
Verstappen’s potential fifth championship would solidify his status as one of the greatest drivers in history, alongside legends like Hamilton, Schumacher, and Fangio. While Verstappen faced challenges with his Red Bull team’s performance last season, his current prospects for a fifth title victory appear to be a daunting task, given the circumstances and competition.
With only the final race left in the season, Verstappen is in contention, trailing Norris by a small margin. A win in Abu Dhabi coupled with Norris missing the podium could secure the championship for Verstappen. Despite facing a points deficit earlier in the season, Verstappen’s potential triumph over a superior McLaren car would mark a remarkable milestone in his career.
Reflecting on his achievements, Verstappen acknowledged the unexpected nature of his championship battle and noted the competitive edge his Red Bull car provided. As the memory of past injustices fades, Verstappen’s legacy in Formula One continues to grow, leaving a lasting impact on the sport’s history.