Mercedes GP has dominated Formula 1 for the past seven years and has won all drivers ‘and constructors’ championships since 2014. To say that the Turbo-Hybrid era of Formula 1 belongs to them would be an understatement, because Mercedes GP has put itself at the top of the team on the starting grid through unrivaled dominance.
In 2021 a resurgent Red Bull Racing, led by superstar driver Max Verstappen, will take on Mercedes. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has his hands full defending his crown against a bitter rival, and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff got bogged down in a battle of words with Red Bull’s Christian Horner.
Before the last race of the 2021 season, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are tied for the drivers ‘title, and Mercedes is 28 points ahead of Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. While this may be a healthy cushion, it is actually a very weak head start.
A single race will decide the title and there is no room to hold back
“The last race will be intense, but it’s important not to get distracted, just keep your head down, your feet on the ground and do the job we did last time. We are grateful to be still in this fight. “
Totos preview of the #AbuDhabiGP 
– Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@ MercedesAMGF1) December 9, 2021
The dynamics of the championship during the 2021 season have changed significantly between Mercedes GP and Red Bull Racing. There were moments when the title seemed locked by a driver only to have that switch in the following race. Mercedes appeared to be on the ropes en route to the Sao Paulo GP. But thanks to Hamilton’s epic show of force, Red Bull’s momentum shifted, allowing the German team to regain the upper hand.
At the final race in Abu Dhabi, the titles will be held on the Yas Marina Circuit. Speaking to the press after Hamilton’s victory in Saudi Arabia, as quoted by Formula1.com, Toto Wolff talks about the constructors’ championship and what Mercedes has to do to win: [in] In the Constructors’ Championship we made a pretty decent step, a good one, but you shouldn’t forget that we evened out on points [in the drivers’ championship], we are all happy and that’s a good thing, because you have to enjoy these moments.
“But now Abu Dhabi is all or nothing; Whoever wins the race wins the championship, so it’s important to keep both feet on the ground, keep working and hopefully do the job we did [in Saudi Arabia] on to Abu Dhabi. “
Lewis Hamilton from Great Britain in the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes W12 and Max Verstappen from the Netherlands in the (33) Red Bull Racing RB16B Honda fight for the position at the F1 Grand Prix of Portugal on May 2nd, 2021 | Lars Baron / Getty Images
With so much at stake in Abu Dhabi, it goes without saying that both Mercedes and Red Bull will do whatever it takes to win the title. Both teams have said that before, but even the best plans fail when the riders’ helmets keep going and the races begin.
The racing season was largely dominated by clashes on the track, and Toto Wolff was asked if he thought Hamilton and Verstappen could drive cleanly on the final lap. Wolff replied with the words: “You know … my confidence, I can’t tell you because I would hope so [Saudi Arabia] has enough impact that everyone will learn from it and prepare for the final race in Abu Dhabi.
“I think that if the stewards thought it crossed the finish line, a similar drive would also be punished by the stewards in Abu Dhabi, and that could well end in a chaotic situation for everyone.
“And I don’t think the championship deserves a result that is affected by a collision, so in this case I have great confidence in the self-regulating system …”
Changes to the route in Abu Dhabi could favor Mercedes
A general view of the track during previews ahead of the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on December 09, 2021 | Clive Rose / Getty Images
There have been few exciting races at the Yas Marini Circuit in Abu Dhabi in the past. The route that runs along the harbor does not favor overtaking and leads to parade-like races. This year the track decided to take action and changes could result in more overtaking and taking advantage of the speed advantage of the Mercedes F1 car.
The main notable change is the removal of the chicanes on turns five and six. This keeps the speed of the cars high and allows more overtaking maneuvers. The hairpin curve has also changed, opening up and moving forward on the track. And curves 11 through 14 will be replaced by a 180 degree sweeper.
These changes will make the track significantly faster, and Pirelli, which supplies Formula 1 tires, estimates that lap times could drop by as much as 14 seconds.
A faster route will favor the Mercedes F1 car. Their aerodynamic design emphasizes straight-line speed with low air resistance and gives them an advantage on long straights and high-speed corners.
Toto Wolff is ready to risk everything in Abu Dhabi and Red Bull won’t hold back either. If racing stays clean and the drivers can avoid contact and the anger of the race management, then the season finale will be remembered by Formula 1 fans for a long time.
Relatives: Christian Horner believes in Red Bull is ‘better than a team’ than title rival Mercedes GP
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