P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has criticised Red Bull’s “entitlement” amid the dramatic conclusion to the 2021 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship.
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen engaged in a fierce title battle during the 2021 F1 season finale at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, culminating in Verstappen clinching his first championship with a strategic late pit-stop advantage. Tensions between the two teams, especially Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Christian Horner, were palpable, with Wolff expressing disappointment at the lack of recognition for Mercedes’ challenges. Despite the controversial circumstances, both drivers were seen as deserving champions by Wolff due to their competitive performances throughout the season. The intense Hamilton versus Verstappen rivalry showcased the best of F1, with both drivers displaying exceptional skill and determination on the track. Verstappen’s subsequent success in securing additional championships adds to the legacy of both him and Hamilton, who now share the elite status of four-time F1 titleholders. The mutual respect between the drivers following their intense 2021 battle leaves fans eagerly anticipating a potential renewed title fight, particularly with Hamilton’s move to Ferrari on the horizon.