Watch: Clip of Haas cheering Max Verstappen's iconic overtake of Lewis Hamilton during the controversial 2021 F1 Abu Dhabi GP surfaces
A video has emerged of Haas F1 team members cheering on Max Verstappen's iconic overtake on Lewis Hamilton during the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi GP. On that occasion, two of the best drivers of the generation went toe-to-toe in one of the most intensely fought championship fights in F1 history.
Both Verstappen and Hamilton did not let up throughout a season which saw both drivers tied on points heading into the final race of the season. However, the ending of the Abu Dhabi GP has been marred with controversy due to the 'human error' of the then-FIA Racing Director Michael Masi in the final laps of the race.
However, it did make for an exciting finale that had everyone on the edge of their seat as Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season to win his maiden F1 title in 2021.
Just like many fans, Haas F1 team members were too left biting their nails during the intense final lap. The video on social media shows their immediate reactions as the Red Bull driver made the move to Turn 5 to take the lead.
Speaking in the 2024 British GP post-race press conference, Hamilton reflected on Abu Dhabi 2021, saying the feelings from the race and its aftermath took a "long time...to heal." He said (via Sky Sports):
"Honestly, when I came back in 2022, I thought that I was over it. And I know I wasn't and it's taken a long time for sure to heal that kind of feeling. And that's only natural for anyone that has that experience. And I've just been continuing to try and work on myself and find that inner peace day by day." he added.
Lewis Hamilton analyzes the Friday practice session in Budapest
Lewis Hamilton stated that it was a difficult day for the team as they seemed to struggle in the hot conditions on Friday of the 2024 Hungarian GP.
As per F1.com, the Mercedes driver said:
"It is definitely very hot here this weekend. It typically is here in beautiful Budapest at this time of year! Today wasn’t our best day of the season so far. The car set-up didn’t feel great, and we weren’t on our best form. We made a few small tweaks between the sessions but nothing major.
"We’ve got some ideas as to why the car wasn’t at its best though so we will work hard on it overnight, looking to make improvements ahead of tomorrow. The competitive order is very close once again out there. Whilst our single-lap pace wasn’t the best, our long run was decent." he added.
Lewis Hamilton finished in P10 and P7 in the FP1 and FP2 sessions respectively at the Hungaroring on Friday.