Irish Examiner view: Dramatic Formula One finish was one for the ages

Yesterday's exhilarating final lap in the deciding race of the 2021 F1 World Championship will live long in the memory.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates with team principle Christian Horner after winning his first Formula One World Championship. Picture: PA Wire.

While Formula One has many critics who dislike its conspicuous wealth and shocking eco-credentials, yesterday’s dramatic finale in Abu Dhabi — a race which started with controversy and ended the same way — was one of those great sporting moments which will stay in the memory forever.

The 3.2-mile sprint for the title will be remembered in the same way as Ayrton Senna’s iconic 1992 battle on worn tyres through the streets of Monaco against Nigel Mansell. 

MAX VERSTAPPEN SNATCHES THE WIN ON THE LAST LAP!! 😰

A FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE RED BULL DRIVER 🏆

📺 Sky Sports F1
📲 https://t.co/TJHGarBsm4
#️⃣ #SkyF1 | #F1 | #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/XyGs0ENZA6

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) December 12, 2021

While Formula One has frequently been a procession throughout its 71-year history, this year’s duel between the gracious Lewis Hamilton and feisty Max Verstappen has been one of the best, to compare with Senna and Alain Prost, James Hunt and Niki Lauda, and, for those with the longest of memories, Stirling Moss and Juan Fangio.

Films about motor racing are popular. This year’s finish has the same level of drama as Ford v Ferrari (aka Le Mans 66) starring Christian Bale as the driver Ken Miles.

Hollywood should get the scriptwriters on it now. Like Verstappen, it will be a winner.