Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has reignited controversy over dramatic 2021 Formula 1 championship finale, accusing Red Bull of showing a 'sense of entitlement' and failing to recognize the anguish suffered by Mercedes after Lewis' defeat Hamilton against Max Verstappen.
The 2021 Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi remains one of the sport's most polarizing moments. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen entered the final race tied on points, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash. In a dramatic conclusion, Verstappen took advantage of a late safety car restart and a crucial tire advantage to overtake Hamilton on the final lap, winning his first drivers' championship.
Wolff criticizes Red Bull's lack of sportsmanship
Reflecting on events during a podcast appearance Armchair Expert with Dax ShepardWolff criticized Red Bull, particularly team principal Christian Horner, for failing to recognize Mercedes' heartbreak.
“I felt like the other side, and it's not Max, didn't say a single sentence saying, 'It was a tough day for Mercedes,'” Wolff said.
He added: “There wasn’t a word from Christian Horner or the other team to acknowledge that, it felt like a sense of entitlement.”
Wolff argued that if the roles had been reversed, Mercedes would have extended a gesture of sportiness. “We would have said so,” he said.
A season for the ages
The 2021 season has been a clash of titans, with Verstappen and Hamilton providing one of the most thrilling rivalries in F1 history. Both drivers demonstrated exceptional skill, with Verstappen excelling in the first half of the season and Hamilton mounting a dominant charge in the latter stages.
“At the end [nous avions la voiture la plus rapide]not in the first half of the year,” admitted Wolff. “I think Lewis was the stronger driver in the second half, Max was in the first half – and it was the same for the cars.”
Wolff went on to say that given how close the two drivers were, they both deserved to be champions. “They both should have had the trophy, but on that day, in that race, the race was decided, and it came down the other side.”
Rivals with mutual respect
Since that controversial season, Verstappen and Hamilton have moved beyond their intense rivalry and now share mutual respect. Verstappen has since won three more titles, joining Hamilton as one of the few drivers in F1 history to have at least four championships.
However, the 2021 finale left lasting scars on Mercedes, and Wolff's comments underline the emotional weight the team still carries.
Looking Ahead: Hamilton vs. Verstappen, Part 2?
As Hamilton prepares to begin a new chapter at Ferrari in 2025, fans are eager to see if the two F1 legends will reignite their rivalry. With Verstappen still at the helm of Red Bull and Hamilton embarking on a new challenge at Ferrari, the stage could be ripe for another unforgettable title fight.
Whatever happens, the legacy of the 2021 season continues to fuel debate and shape the narratives of modern Formula 1.
