After a tense battle for the world drivers’ championship title during the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, Carlos Sainz shared his thoughts on the intense on-track fight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Sainz emphasized that the clash was completely clean and fair, noting that no contact occurred during the crucial final lap that determined the champion.
The Spaniard’s remarks came shortly after the race at the Yas Marina Circuit, where he finished in third place. Max Verstappen clinched his first title following a dramatic restart with only one lap remaining, with Hamilton narrowly leading at that moment. There were concerns among spectators that the two drivers might collide as they battled for supremacy, an outcome that Sainz was relieved did not materialize.
In the closing laps of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a crash involving Nicholas Latifi prompted the deployment of the safety car, allowing marshals to clear the track. During this period, Verstappen took the opportunity to pit for fresh soft tires, while Hamilton opted to remain on the track. After the track was cleared, race control made the controversial decision to allow the five lapped cars between Verstappen and Hamilton to unlap themselves, effectively positioning the two title contenders head-to-head for the restart.
Once racing resumed, Verstappen, utilizing his fresher tires, overtook Hamilton to secure the championship title in a thrilling finale. Following the race, Carlos Sainz articulated his concerns regarding race control’s decision to permit lapped cars to overtake Hamilton, a choice that almost jeopardized his own podium finish, as there were two cars ahead of him.
As the 2021 season concluded, Carlos Sainz ended with 164.5 points, securing fifth place in the championship standings. The emotional intensity and strategic maneuvers of the Verstappen and Hamilton duel, as reflected in Sainz’s comments, continue to resonate in the world of Formula 1 racing.
