2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Hamilton denies Verstappen's title hopes in an epic Jeddah clash
JEDDAH – The 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship title will be decided at Yas Marina Circuit in season-end's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after Lewis Hamilton defeated title rival Max Verstappen in a epic but controversial battle at Jeddah Street Circuit in Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Started on pole, Hamilton being pressured by Verstappen throughout the entire race, however in the midway stage of the race, Verstappen illegally overtook Hamilton over the chicane. When Hamilton's attempting to retake the lead, Verstappen blockaded the Mercedes driver out of his way. "He (Verstappen) brake-tested me!", said Hamilton furiously on the team radio. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is even looked more furious seeing the collision.
The Mercedes driver escaped from the Red Bull Racing driver's pursuit until the checkered flag.
- The final showdown
For the first time since 2016, the FIA Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship title will be decided in the season finale in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. The title decider had been previously occured in Abu Dhabi: first in 2010, when Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) defeated Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) to capture his first of four world titles; then in 2014, when Hamilton beat his teammate Nico Rosberg for his 2nd of seven/eight world title; and lastly in 2016, when Rosberg defeated Hamilton by five points.