The 2021 F1 season ended with Max Verstappen clinching his maiden title with last-lap heroics. Mercedes looked good to secure another double championship title until the very end. However, destiny had other plans for the Silver Arrows and they lost out in this hard-fought battle. Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff congratulated the much-deserved world champ after the race.
The two title protagonists were a part of a unique piece of racing history in a season that will be remembered for many years. The Mercedes team launched protests challenging the result, but they were rejected by the Stewards. As it stands, Verstappen is the world champion and many would agree, a deserving one.
Thinking about how well Lewis Hamilton dealt with everything yesterday. Drove superbly. Composed in his interviews. Gracious in defeat. Celebrated with Max on the podium.
Showed why he's a true champion 👏 pic.twitter.com/RmcRs1kgJd
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) December 13, 2021
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Toto Wolff congratulated Max Verstappen
The entire season saw verbal battles between the two team bosses and occasionally the two drivers as well. The teams were in no mood to negotiate or back off even an inch on their stands. However, now that the championship is concluded and we have a rightful winner, the dust seems to have settled down a bit.
In an F1 Nation podcast aired after the penultimate race, Wolff pretty much said the same thing. “I think we will show respect after the championship is won, either direction.”
More recently, F1 journalist Ben Hunt tweeted about Wolff’s message to Verstappen after the Abu Dhabi GP. The Austrian boss congratulated the Dutchman after his maiden title win. “Just caught up with the new F1 World Champ after a night of celebrating. Says he’s received a text from Toto Wolff congratulating him on the season and saying he deserved to win it,” said the tweet.
Just caught up with the new F1 World Champ after a night of celebrating. Says he's received a text from Toto Wolff congratulating him on the season and saying he deserved to win it.
— Ben Hunt (@benjhunt) December 13, 2021
Pure class from Anthony Hamilton
The season-long banter finally ended with some purely class acts from both title rivals. This intense battle witnessed a constant war of words from both sides but there was always respect between the parties. A wholesome act from Lewis Hamilton‘s father after the race was a highlight of the long day at Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton senior personally went down to the Red Bull garage to give his wishes to world champ Max Verstappen and his father who has been a constant part of the Dutchman’s journey.
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Pure class
👏 Anthony Hamilton #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/UvQ0tZplxL
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 13, 2021
The sport has witnessed an enthralling battle between a seven-time world champion and a rising star of the sport. However, as intense as it was during the course of this 22-race calendar, it ended on a respectful note. Isn’t this all we want as true F1 fans?
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Tell us your favorite Hamilton-Verstappen moments from the season.
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