The 2021 Formula 1 season has been nothing short of amazing. We have seen fantastic races, some of which would go down in history. We have also witnessed such an intense rivalry between racers, which has added to the excitement of this season. Now, we approach the last race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which holds this weekend, with certain expectations.

Last weekend’s race, the Saudi Arabian GP, was epic and would hold a special status in the history of Formula 1. We saw the rivalry between Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen reach a new height, with some on-the-track drama. At the end of the race, both drivers were tied with 369.5 points each at the top of the leaderboard. And so we head into the final race with both drivers tied. This means that as little as a one-point advantage would make the difference in Abu Dhabi.

The last and only time we had the two top racers were tied going to the finale was in 1974 – 47 years ago. That was a long time before any current racer was born. So Hamilton and Verstappen, and indeed 2021, would get to be a part of racing history.

Hamilton has finished 1st in Abu Dhabi three times in the last five seasons. He finished 3rd last year and 1st the year before. Verstappen finished 1st last year, the only time he came top in the last five seasons. He finished 2nd in 2019 and 3rd in 2018. It is clear to say that he has been improving, and all of that improvement might help him this year.

This Sunday’s battle would be between a seven-time world champion and a Dutchman trying to get his first world championship title. With nothing separating them, in terms of point, it is hard to say which way victory might swing. But one thing is clear, and that is the fact that both drivers have had an impressive season and have done well for themselves, fighting to the end. Whoever wins this Sunday would be very deserving of the title as they have both proven themselves over the past 22 races across three continents.

Written by: Leon Osamor