Before the race, the two dominators of Formula 1 had tied for points in the drivers’ standings, and for the first time since 1974 two drivers raced tied for the final. Verstappen even increased the tension level with his fabulous pole in qualifying on Saturday, Hamilton lurked directly behind.
Hamilton conceded Verstappen at the start
Then this start of the British: Hamilton literally shot away, Verstappen only rolled slowly – a tenth of a second in the reaction time was decisive after the red lights went out.
On the first lap at turn six, the Dutchman attacked at the limit, braked extremely late and left his rival no place. The Englishman had to leave the course. First, Verstappen complained that Hamilton had left the track. Then Hamilton complained that Verstappen had pushed him out.
“That’s incredible”Verstappen scolded. He did not feel that he was complicit and took refuge in the role of victim.
After a brake flat in qualifying, Verstappen started the race with the softest tire compound. Although this is faster, it also degrades faster. Hamilton had the more durable medium on the Mercedes.
Hamilton dominates for a long time
The many orange fans in the stands got quieter and quieter. Because after the botched start of your PS star, the tires also dropped – not surprisingly. The plan with the Softs To get a head start failed completely. On lap 14, Verstappen was the first to change rubbers and switched to the hardest compound.
Mercedes reacted one lap later, although Hamilton could have continued to drive. A safety pit stop – just not giving the opponent any possible tactical advantage.
Hamilton now had Perez’s escort in front of him. For almost two laps, the Mexican held up hard against it, costing the Mercedes man around six seconds before he took the lead again.
Decision after the safety car phase five laps before the end
Now the Dutchman was only a second behind Hamilton, who was then able to pull away again. Then a virtual one Safety car. Red Bull took a risk. Verstappen got new ones on lap 37 Medium – Hamilton stayed outside. His lead was only 17 seconds. And this one melted! But not too quickly.
In lap 53 of 58 now the safety car phase. Verstappen got the fastest rubbers – Hamilton was not brought in again. “It’s amazing folks“, grumbled the Briton, whose voice was no longer as firm and relaxed as usual over the last few kilometers. After the race was approved, Verstappen actually sat in front of his rivals in an unbelievable duel and snatched the title.
red / dpa / sid
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Status: 12.12.2021, 3:48 p.m.