It has all come down to this for 2021. It’s either an eighth F1 world championship for Lewis Hamilton or a first coronation for Max Verstappen here in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
With 21 races done and dusted, these two world-class drivers are level with 369.5 points each after a pulsating affair in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix where Lewis Hamilton got his third consecutive victory.
Max Verstappen and Red Bull were left to rue on their missed golden opportunity in Jeddah, but they still have one more chance to try and get that elusive first championship.
For the first time since 2016, the F1 world championship is going to be settled at the final race of the season and fans can expect a lot of fireworks between these two protagonists.
One more time for Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen
Few months ago, almost everyone thought that Max Verstappen was on his way to win his first F1 title given his lead over rival Lewis Hamilton. But suddenly, the momentum has now shifted in favour of the seven-time champion.
Both have enjoyed runs at the top with Hamilton having the edge early on before Verstappen won five out of six. And then Hamilton has won three straight – two of which were brand new circuits in the F1 calendar.
Heading into the Yas Marina circuit, there’s an unbelievable amount of pressure for Hamilton and Verstappen since history awaits these two. But even with the high stakes involved, both are entering this contest trying to stay as even-keeled as they can.
“At the moment it just feels like another championship to me. I just look at it every season and every year from ground zero, you’re the hunter and you’re fighting from the moment you start training,” said Hamilton.
“We are both here to win and we’ll do everything to win. I think we put on a great show for everyone at the end of the day. This season’s been really enjoyable,” added Verstappen.
To see these two world-class drivers go at it has been fun to watch all season long. Regardless of the result, 2021 is definitely up there as being one of the best championship fights in recent memory.
One last hurrah for Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen
Other than the fierce duel between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 news are going to centre around Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen.
Kimi Raikkonen prepares for his 349th and final appearance to wrap up his F1 career that has lasted for two decades, while Valtteri Bottas will represent the Silver Arrows for one last time.
“I had a good run and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m happy how I did it, because I did it many, many ways on my own terms,” said Raikkonen as he reflected on his F1 career.
“I have mixed feelings. I’ve grown so much as a driver and as a human being. We’ve learned so much as a team and actually achieved some pretty cool things together – positives that I’ll take on board,” said Bottas.
Both drivers are aiming to give their supporters a good show in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Valtteri Bottas will step into Alfa Romeo for next season as Kimi Raikkonen retires and Antonio Giovinazzi is about to leave F1.
History
Should Lewis Hamilton win this weekend, he’ll be the outright leader for the most F1 championships. As of the moment, he’s level with the great Michael Schumacher with seven titles each.
If Max Verstappen wins on the other hand, it’ll be his first-ever world title and he’ll become the fourth-youngest winner in league history.
The Yas Marina Circuit has been an established stronghold for Mercedes in recent years as they’ve won pole in four of the last five seasons. Lewis Hamilton has the most wins in this track with five.
Max Verstappen is the reigning winner in this circuit, though, as he won the 2020 edition of this race.
What are the odds?
Given their dominance in this circuit, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are backed by the SBOTOP Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 odds. The British driver is priced at 1.92 to win while the Dutchman is installed at 2.15.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Mercedes are expected to win this season’s constructors’ title since they’re pegged at 1.42 in this contest while Red Bull are at 2.77. Valtteri Bottas is poised to take the third podium berth at 2.96 in what will be a fitting end to his five-year Mercedes stint.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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