Max Verstappen is the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Champion, with victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 
 
In what was one of the most highly anticipated season finales in recent years, the race lived up to all expectations as Verstappen took the lead from fellow title rival Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the race. 
 
Having started the race in pole position and as championship leader, the Dutchman lost the lead to Hamilton off the line and trailed the seven-time champion for the majority of the race.
 
Hamilton maintained his lead despite a battle with Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez and a virtual safety car period diminishing Hamilton’s gap after the first round of tyre stops.

Needing a miracle to happen, a late safety car period, due to a spin and crash by the Williams of Nicholas Latifi, with just five laps remaining allowed Verstappen the opportunity to do a quick pit stop for soft tyres and get one last opportunity to regain the lead.
 
On the restart, the Red Bull Racing driver had just one lap to pass Hamilton and he was able to do so with just a few corners to go – thus securing his maiden F1 title in dramatic fashion.

In the end, Verstappen won the title six points ahead of Hamilton.
 

Following on from the race, an overjoyed Verstappen praised his team for helping achieve his lifelong dream of being world champion. 

“It’s unbelievable,” Verstappen said post-race.

“I mean, throughout the whole race, I kept fighting and then of course, that opportunity in the last lap.

“These guys here, my team, and of course, Honda as well, they deserve it. I love them so much. And I really, really enjoy working with them already since 2016, but this year has been incredible.

“To my team, I think they know I love them, and I hope we can do this for 10, 15 years together.

“There’s no reason to change ever. I want to stay with them for the rest of my life. I hope they let me but yeah, it’s insane.

“I’m so happy and also you know, Christian [Horner], but also Helmut [Marko], trusting me to be in the team in 2016. Our goal of course was to win this championship and now we have done that.”
  
Rounding out the podium behind Verstappen and Hamilton was Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who snuck into third after Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez was retired just before the race restart.
 
While it was a triumphant victory for Verstappen and Red Bull, it was a disappointing finish for Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who was unable to score points in the season finale.

The West Australian started the race in 10th position, but lost ground during the pit stops and ended up lower down the field.
 
Despite his best efforts, Ricciardo was unable to close in on the top 10 and ended up finishing 12th. 

“I felt like I had a bit more pace than them (Alpine), but it was honestly just really tricky to overtake,” he said of challenging Ocon.

“We tried to stick it out but with the Virtual Safety Car we lost positions.

“I think in clear air I would’ve had a bit more pace to show, but it was just tricky with track position.

“That’s what happens when you qualify a little too far back.

“Something I want to improve next year is the performance on Saturdays, and I think that’ll make the Sundays a bit easier.”
  
The FIA Formula 1 World Championship is now done for the year, with the 2022 season to begin with the Bahrain Grand Prix on 20 March.