F1 title deciders: Formula 1’s last seven title-deciding races ahead of Abu Dhabi finale – The Mirror
Formula 1 has experienced some tense title deciders in recent years, and Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are set to deliver another blockbuster in Abu Dhabi
What you need to know about Formula 1 title deciders ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2007: Kimi Raikkonen’s Comeback Win: Rookie Lewis Hamilton led the championship coming into the final race in Brazil, but a gearbox glitch dropped him down the order. Raikkonen seized the opportunity, winning the race and snatching the title by a single point from Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
2008: Hamilton’s Dramatic Final Corner Pass: For the second year in a row, the championship was decided in Brazil with Lewis Hamilton fighting Felipe Massa. Massa won the race and briefly thought he had the title, but Hamilton passed Timo Glock on the last corner of the final lap to finish fifth and secure the championship by one point.
2010: Vettel’s Long-Shot Triumph: Fernando Alonso was the favorite heading into Abu Dhabi, but Ferrari’s poor race strategy ruined his chances. Sebastian Vettel, a distant outsider, won the race from pole position to become the World Champion.
2012: Vettel Recovers from Early Collision: Sebastian Vettel’s title hopes in Brazil looked finished after a crash on the opening lap dropped him to last place. However, he expertly recovered to finish seventh, which was enough to hold off Fernando Alonso and win his third consecutive championship.
2014: Hamilton Dominates the Double Points Race: The controversial rule of awarding double points for the final race was introduced for the first and only time in Abu Dhabi. Hamilton overtook his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg at the start and cruised to victory and the World Championship.
2016: Rosberg Secures the Title in a Tense Finish: Nico Rosberg entered the final race with the advantage over his rival, Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton won the race but tried to back Rosberg into the pursuing cars; however, Rosberg held on to finish second and claim his only championship before immediately retiring.
2021: Verstappen’s Controversial Last-Lap Victory: The final race was a winner-takes-all scenario with Hamilton and Max Verstappen level on points. A late-race Safety Car period led to a controversial decision by the Race Director, allowing Verstappen on new tires to pass Hamilton on the final lap to win his first title.
