Sebastian Vettel is still amazed by Lewis Hamilton’s ‘incredible composure’ after 2021 Abu Dhabi GP

Follow us on Google Discover

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is still to this day one of the most controversial issues in the Formula 1 paddock.

The season finale in 2021 saw Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen head into the race level on points after a dramatic battle throughout the year. The former controlled proceedings in Abu Dhabi and looked set to win his eighth title.

However, Nicholas Latifi’s late crash brought out the safety car, which then produced arguably the most controversial moment in F1 history. Race director Michael Masi incorrectly allowed lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to overtake, while the others remained in position.

Had he implemented the correct start procedure, the race would have ended under the safety car and Hamilton would have been champion. Instead, Masi allowed racing to continue, with lapped cars free of the championship protagonists.

Jenson Button planned to celebrate with Hamilton after the race, as he was conducting the post-race interviews. However, Verstappen overtook the then-Mercedes driver as the race restarted on the final lap and claimed his first F1 title.

Sebastian Vettel amazed by Lewis Hamilton’s ‘incredible composure’ after Abu Dhabi 2021

The scars of Abu Dhabi 2021 have not faded for Hamilton, as he has not had another opportunity to win his eighth championship since then. But he has been commended for his attitude in the wake of the heartbreak, including from Sebastian Vettel.

Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast, the four-time champion is still amazed by Hamilton’s response to the controversy and how ‘incredible composure’ has shaped his character.

“You could argue that he was at the peak in year one. What I mean is, peak performances probably last a fairly long time,” said Vettel.

“But if look at Lewis in, I don’t know, 2017, which for me is one of the most incredible moments of emotional intelligence and composure.

“Lewis in 2021, in that moment, where he was not winning the championship. I cannot imagine to be in that position, and I’ve been in many positions, many comes to racing.

“But to act the way he did, that alone, that together with everything he has achieved says so much about his strength and his character.”

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

Lewis Hamilton is still haunted by the memories of Abu Dhabi 2021

Since the 2021 season, Hamilton has struggled with the current era of machinery. The regulation change in 2022 brought problems for the seven-time champion, as he could not adapt his driving style to Mercedes’ new cars – a problem that is persisting at Ferrari in 2025.

He has not fought for a championship since that 2021 season, and the memories are still fresh in his mind. Hamilton had a ‘severe look’ when he was asked whether his win at Silverstone in 2024 ‘erased the memories’ of Abu Dhabi – it clearly did not.

Reflecting on 2021 himself, Verstappen said he does not miss battling Hamilton, but was grateful to have the experience. He would not argue that it was his best season, saying that each of his championships are different in their own right.

But one thing is clear; the events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP are burned in the memories of key figures and fans all over the world, and it is a controversy that Hamilton has arguably never recovered from.