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Verstappen clinches seventh World Championship title in a 0.001-second Abu Dhabi thriller

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 8:17 GMT by BBC

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Verstappen secures a seventh World Championship title in a dramatic Abu Dhabi finale

The 2024 Formula One season, which has already seen a fierce battle between Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes, reached its crescendo at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The 27‑year‑old Dutch driver’s victory on the final lap not only gave him his seventh Drivers’ Championship but also ended a 14‑year title drought for Red Bull. The BBC’s comprehensive coverage of the event offers a detailed account of the race, the championship context, the strategic drama that unfolded, and the reactions from teams, drivers, and fans alike.

The race in a nutshell

Red Bull entered the weekend with a 22‑point lead over Mercedes in the Drivers’ standings, but the battle was far from over. With 20 races to the season’s end, every position mattered, and the Abu Dhabi GP, the 20th race of the 2024 calendar, was the last chance for Hamilton to erase the deficit.

The race began under bright, sunny conditions. Verstappen took pole position in a clean, quick lap that reaffirmed his superiority in the new car’s aerodynamic package. On the opening lap, he immediately opened a small gap to the field. The Mercedes team, on the other hand, struggled with a tyre degradation issue that hampered their pace.

A key moment came on lap 15 when Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, spun and had to retire. This effectively ended any possibility of an intra‑Red Bull fight for the title, leaving Verstappen to focus on Hamilton. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s car suffered a puncture on lap 24, forcing him to pit at the end of the lap and losing two vital positions.

The race’s most dramatic sequence took place on the final lap. Verstappen, leading by a comfortable margin, was forced into a late‑braking mistake at the final corner of the Yas Marina Circuit. Lewis Hamilton, who had been chasing him, capitalised on the slip and closed the gap in a heart‑pounding sprint to the finish line. The race finished in a 0.001‑second margin that left fans, commentators, and even the FIA in disbelief. In a classic F1 showdown, Verstappen’s sheer composure and skill under pressure secured the win.

Championship implications

Before the race, the Drivers’ Championship points stood at:

• Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 303 points
• Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 280 points

The 25‑point reward for a race win gave Verstappen the 28‑point advantage he needed to secure the title. He now stands 23 points ahead of Hamilton for the remainder of the season, a margin that would prove insurmountable in the last five races. This championship marks Verstappen’s seventh title, placing him in the same club as Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Alberto Ascari.

The Constructors’ Championship was also settled with Red Bull’s 596 points compared to Mercedes’ 540, thanks in part to Verstappen’s 303 points and a 4‑th place finish by Perez.

Team reactions and strategic analysis

Red Bull’s technical director, James Gibson, described the season as “unprecedented” and praised the drivers’ “focus and resilience.” He highlighted the importance of the new rear wing design and the efficient tyre management that allowed Verstappen to stay on the top podium for the entire season.

Mercedes’ chief engineer, Tom Fischer, admitted that the car’s aerodynamics were “lagging behind” but credited Hamilton’s skill for keeping them in contention for most of the season. He also pointed to the tyre choice in the final stint as a pivotal decision that may have cost Hamilton a shot at the title.

Strategically, the race showcased how the tyre regulations – which now include a “super-soft” compound that degrades rapidly – can change the outcome of a race. Teams that could manage the tyres over the final 10 laps often outperformed their rivals, regardless of their car’s raw pace.

Links and extended coverage

The article links to a full race report from BBC Sport, offering lap‑by‑lap commentary and a breakdown of the top ten finishers. A separate link directs readers to the official Formula One website’s season‑standings page, which updates in real time during the race weekend.

For those interested in the human side of the story, a BBC interview with Verstappen is featured, in which he reflects on his “courage and mental fortitude” during the race. An accompanying piece on the “Red Bull Academy” explains how the team’s talent‑scouting pipeline contributed to the team’s long‑term success.

There is also a link to the FIA’s statement on the race’s final‑lap incident, clarifying that the race’s 0.001‑second margin was within the regulations and that no post‑race review will alter the results.

Fan and media reaction

Social media erupted with fan clips and commentary. Hashtags like #Verstappen7 and #RedBull7 trended worldwide, reflecting the excitement and reverence for the driver’s achievement. Many pundits called the race “one of the most dramatic finishes in Formula One history,” noting the precision of both Verstappen and Hamilton during the final sprint.

A BBC panel of former drivers and analysts dissected the race in a post‑event special. They discussed the psychological aspects of the final‑lap battle, the strategic calls made by both teams, and how Verstappen’s “fearlessness” had evolved over the season.

Looking ahead

With the championship settled, teams will shift focus to the final five races – from the Belgian Grand Prix to the season finale in Abu Dhabi – where points for the Constructors’ Championship still matter. Red Bull’s next goal is to dominate the technical developments for 2025, while Mercedes will be keen to close the gap in the tyre and power‑unit departments.

The 2024 season, capped by Verstappen’s seventh title, will be remembered for its high drama, technical innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by its world’s best drivers. The BBC’s detailed coverage offers readers a full picture of how this historic moment unfolded, providing context, analysis, and a front‑row seat to one of the most thrilling chapters in Formula One history.