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In the 2021 Formula 1 season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was on track to win his record-breaking 8th world championship. Dominating most of the race, he held a comfortable lead over rival Max Verstappen. However, a late-race crash by Nicholas Latifi brought out the safety car, leading to a highly controversial decision by FIA Race Director Michael Masi.
In a departure from standard procedures, only a select few lapped cars were allowed to un-lap themselves, placing Verstappen directly behind Hamilton for a one-lap shootout. Verstappen, who had pitted for fresh tyres, overtook Hamilton on that final lap, clinching the title. The decision to partially apply the rules appeared to manipulate the outcome of the race, causing widespread outrage.
Many critics and fans felt that Hamilton was robbed of a historic eighth title due to an unfair and inconsistent rule application. The controversy sparked debates about race governance and transparency in F1. Though the FIA later acknowledged procedural errors, the results stood. The incident is remembered as one of the most contentious moments in F1 history, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and questions about fairness, especially in such high-stakes circumstances.