View source for 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

{{Infobox Race
| flag = UAE
| season = 2021
| race = 22
| racecode = UAE
| image = Yas Marina Circuit.png
| imagesize =
| caption = The new layout for the Yas Marina Circuit
| date = December 12
| number = 1057
| officialname = Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021
| circuit = Yas Marina Circuit
| location = Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
| circuittype = Permanent racing facility
| lapdistance = 5.281
| laps = 58
| distance = 306.183
| pole = Max Verstappen
| polenation = NED
| poleteam = {{AUT}} {{Red Bull-Honda}}
| poletime = 1:22.109
| fastestlap = 1:26.103
| fastestlapdriver = Max Verstappen
| fastestlapnation = NED
| fastestlapteam = {{AUT}} {{Red Bull-Honda}}
| fastestlapnumber = 39
| winner = Max Verstappen
| winnernation = NED
| winnerteam = {{AUT}} {{Red Bull-Honda}}
| second = Lewis Hamilton
| secondnation = GBR
| secondteam = {{GER}} {{Mercedes-CON}}
| third = Carlos Sainz
| thirdnation = ESP
| thirdteam = {{ITA}} {{Ferrari-CON}}
}}
The '''2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix''' (officially the '''Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021''') was the 22nd and final [[Grand Prix|race]] of the [[2021 Formula One Season|2021]] [[FIA]] [[Formula One|Formula One World Championship]], held at the [[Yas Marina Circuit]] between [[December 10]] and [[December 12]] 2021. This was the [[2021 Formula One Season|2021]] title decider, as both [[Lewis Hamilton]] and [[Max Verstappen]] were tied going into the race, at 369.5 points each respectively.


__TOC__
{{Clear}}

==Background==
<!--{{Weather
| fp1 = Sunny
| fp2 = Sunny
| fp3 = Sunny
| qualification = Sunny
| race = Sunny
}}-->
{{AvailableTyres/2019|C3|C4|C5}}
In June 2021, it was announced that the circuit would be undergoing layout changes in a bid to improve on-track action, having seen races with little or no action in the previous years. The following changes are to be done on the circuit:<ref>Motorsport.com: [https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/new-banked-corner-part-of-abu-dhabi-f1-track-changes/6602756/ New banked corner part of Abu Dhabi F1 track changes]</ref><ref>REVEALED: The track changes aimed at improving overtaking at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit | [https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.revealed-the-track-changes-aimed-at-improving-overtaking-at-abu-dhabis-yas.rejS8Xxbgoom5yPUInsek.html Formula 1®]</ref>[[File:Yas Marina changes.jpg|thumb]]
* At the hairpin section (previously turn 7), the chicane before it will be removed – with the width of the track in this area will also being opened up to allow multiple racing lines and potentially more passing opportunities.
* At the end of the second back straight (previously turns 11, 12, 13, and 14), the tight and twisty complex of bends are being removed completely and replaced with a high speed and wide banked corner.
* Finally, at the hotel section (previously turns 17, 18, 19 and 20), the corners that run around here are being opened up so it becomes faster and more flowing.

Right before the start of the weekend's events, it was announced that the contract to host the [[Abu Dhabi Grand Prix]] as the season finale will be extended until 2030.<ref>Motorsport.com: Abu Dhabi to stay as F1 season finale until 2030, ''https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/abu-dhabi-signs-new-10-year-f1-contract-as-season-finale/6866636/'', retrieved on 9 December 2021</ref>

===Entry List===
The full entry list for the {{PAGENAME}} is outlined below:
{| class=wikitable style="font-size:75%"
! <span style="cursor:help" title="Car Number">No.</span>
! Driver
! Entrant
! Constructor
! Chassis
! Engine
! Model
! Tyre
|-
! 3
| {{AUS}} [[Daniel Ricciardo]]
| {{GBR}} [[McLaren Racing|McLaren F1 Team]]
| {{McLaren-CON}}
| [[McLaren MCL35M|MCL35M]]
| {{Mercedes-ENG}}
| [[Mercedes-AMG F1 M12 E Performance|M12]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 4
| {{GBR}} [[Lando Norris]]
| {{GBR}} [[McLaren Racing|McLaren F1 Team]]
| {{McLaren-CON}}
| [[McLaren MCL35M|MCL35M]]
| {{Mercedes-ENG}}
| [[Mercedes-AMG F1 M12 E Performance|M12]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 5
| {{GER}} [[Sebastian Vettel]]
| {{GBR}} [[Aston Martin|Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team]]
| {{Aston Martin-CON}}
| [[Aston Martin AMR21|AMR21]]
| {{Mercedes-ENG}}
| [[Mercedes-AMG F1 M12 E Performance|M12]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 6
| {{CAN}} [[Nicholas Latifi]]
| {{GBR}} [[Williams F1|Williams Racing]]
| {{Williams-CON}}
| [[Williams FW43B|FW43B]]
| {{Mercedes-ENG}}
| [[Mercedes-AMG F1 M12 E Performance|M12]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 7
| {{FIN}} [[Kimi Räikkönen]]
| {{SUI}} [[Sauber|Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN]]
| {{Alfa Romeo-CON}}
| [[Alfa Romeo C41|C41]]
| {{Ferrari-ENG}}
| [[Ferrari 065|065/6]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 9
| {{RAF}} [[Nikita Mazepin]]
| {{USA}} [[Haas F1 Team|Uralkali Haas F1 Team]]
| {{Haas-CON}}
| [[Haas VF-21|VF-21]]
| {{Ferrari-ENG}}
| [[Ferrari 065|065/6]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 10
| {{FRA}} [[Pierre Gasly]]
| {{ITA}} [[Scuderia AlphaTauri|Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda]]
| {{AlphaTauri-CON}}
| [[AlphaTauri AT02|AT02]]
| {{Honda-ENG}}
| [[Honda RA621H|RA621H]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 11
| {{MEX}} [[Sergio Pérez]]
| {{AUT}} [[Red Bull Racing|Red Bull Racing Honda]]
| {{Red Bull-CON}}
| [[Red Bull RB16|RB16B]]
| {{Honda-ENG}}
| [[Honda RA621H|RA621H]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 14
| {{ESP}} [[Fernando Alonso]]
| {{FRA}} [[Renault F1|Alpine F1 Team]]
| {{Alpine-CON}}
| [[Alpine A521|A521]]
| {{Renault-ENG}}
| [[Renault E-Tech 21|E-Tech 21]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 16
| {{MON}} [[Charles Leclerc]]
| {{ITA}} [[Scuderia Ferrari|Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow]]
| {{Ferrari-CON}}
| [[Ferrari SF21|SF21]]
| {{Ferrari-ENG}}
| [[Ferrari 065|065/6]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 18
| {{CAN}} [[Lance Stroll]]
| {{GBR}} [[Aston Martin|Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team]]
| {{Aston Martin-CON}}
| [[Aston Martin AMR21|AMR21]]
| {{Mercedes-ENG}}
| [[Mercedes-AMG F1 M12 E Performance|M12]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 22
| {{JPN}} [[Yuki Tsunoda]]
| {{ITA}} [[Scuderia AlphaTauri|Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda]]
| {{AlphaTauri-CON}}
| [[AlphaTauri AT02|AT02]]
| {{Honda-ENG}}
| [[Honda RA621H|RA621H]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 31
| {{FRA}} [[Esteban Ocon]]
| {{FRA}} [[Renault F1|Alpine F1 Team]]
| {{Alpine-CON}}
| [[Alpine A521|A521]]
| {{Renault-ENG}}
| [[Renault E-Tech 21|E-Tech 21]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 33
| {{NED}} [[Max Verstappen]]
| {{AUT}} [[Red Bull Racing|Red Bull Racing Honda]]
| {{Red Bull-CON}}
| [[Red Bull RB16|RB16B]]
| {{Honda-ENG}}
| [[Honda RA621H|RA621H]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 44
| {{GBR}} [[Lewis Hamilton]]
| {{GER}} [[Mercedes Grand Prix|Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team]]
| {{Mercedes-CON}}
| [[Mercedes F1 W12|F1 W12]]
| {{Mercedes-ENG}}
| [[Mercedes-AMG F1 M12 E Performance|M12]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 47
| {{GER}} [[Mick Schumacher]]
| {{USA}} [[Haas F1 Team|Uralkali Haas F1 Team]]
| {{Haas-CON}}
| [[Haas VF-21|VF-21]]
| {{Ferrari-ENG}}
| [[Ferrari 065|065/6]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 55
| {{ESP}} [[Carlos Sainz, Jr.]]
| {{ITA}} [[Scuderia Ferrari|Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow]]
| {{Ferrari-CON}}
| [[Ferrari SF21|SF21]]
| {{Ferrari-ENG}}
| [[Ferrari 065|065/6]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 63
| {{GBR}} [[George Russell]]
| {{GBR}} [[Williams F1|Williams Racing]]
| {{Williams-CON}}
| [[Williams FW43B|FW43B]]
| {{Mercedes-ENG}}
| [[Mercedes-AMG F1 M12 E Performance|M12]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 77
| {{FIN}} [[Valtteri Bottas]]
| {{GER}} [[Mercedes Grand Prix|Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team]]
| {{Mercedes-CON}}
| [[Mercedes F1 W12|F1 W12]]
| {{Mercedes-ENG}}
| [[Mercedes-AMG F1 M12 E Performance|M12]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! 99
| {{ITA}} [[Antonio Giovinazzi]]
| {{SUI}} [[Sauber|Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN]]
| {{Alfa Romeo-CON}}
| [[Alfa Romeo C41|C41]]
| {{Ferrari-ENG}}
| [[Ferrari 065|065/6]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
!colspan=8| [[Test Driver]] for ''Practice 1'' Only
|-
! 89
| {{GBR}} [[Jack Aitken]]
| {{GBR}} [[Williams F1|Williams Racing]]
| {{Williams-CON}}
| [[Williams FW43B|FW43B]]
| {{Mercedes-ENG}}
| [[Mercedes-AMG F1 M12 E Performance|M12]] 1.6L [[V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| align=center | {{Pirelli}}
|-
! style="text-align:center" colspan="8" |Source:<ref name=EL>[https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/{{urlencode: {{PAGENAME}} |PATH}}%20-%20Entry%20List.pdf {{PAGENAME}} - Entry List] (PDF). Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile.</ref><ref>Jack Aitken to drive for Williams in Abu Dhabi FP1 – four months after horror Spa crash | [https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.jack-aitken-to-drive-for-williams-in-abu-dhabi-fp1-four-months-after-horror.3kgXagR1JiZDlMmZhqhRJb.html Formula 1®]</ref>
|}

==Practice==
<!-- Info about practice sessions including results-->

===FP1===
[[Max Verstappen]] had the early edge over [[Lewis Hamilton]] on [[Formula One]]’s most dramatic race weekend in living memory, as he topped first practice for the season-ending, title-deciding [[Abu Dhabi Grand Prix]] at the heavily revised [[Yas Marina Circuit]].<ref>FP1: Verstappen quickest in Abu Dhabi first practice with title rival Hamilton third | [https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fp1-verstappen-quickest-in-abu-dhabi-first-practice-with-title-rival.7FR3H9D00vmRM7wHtkmBP6.html Formula 1®]</ref>

===FP2===
[[Mercedes]]' [[Lewis Hamilton]] set the fastest time in the second practice session of the while his championship rival [[Max Verstappen]] was fourth for [[Red Bull]].<ref>2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FP2 report and highlights: Hamilton leads Ocon and Bottas in second Yas Marina practice session while Verstappen takes P4 | [https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fp2-hamilton-leads-ocon-and-bottas-in-second-abu-dhabi-practice-session.19geRLMllUFwHvpJYUOu9U.html Formula 1®]</ref> The session finished with Raikkonen crashing heavily at Turn 14.

===FP3===
[[Lewis Hamilton]] set the fastest time ahead of [[Max Verstappen]] in the final hour of practice in Abu Dhabi – with the all-important qualifying session to come.<ref>2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FP3 report and highlights: Hamilton leads Verstappen in final Abu Dhabi practice | [https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fp3-hamilton-leads-verstappen-in-final-abu-dhabi-practice.qUmXasQ1x3Z3PEAJKPto8.html Formula 1®]</ref>

===Practice Results===
The full practice results for the {{PAGENAME}} are outlined below:
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! rowspan="2" |No!! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" |Driver!! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" |Team!! colspan="2" class="unsortable" |FP1!! colspan="2" class="unsortable" |FP2!! colspan="2" class="unsortable" |FP3
|-
!Time !!Pos!! Time!!Pos!!Time!!Pos
|-
!3
|{{AUS}} [[Daniel Ricciardo]]
|{{GBR}} {{McLaren-Mercedes}}
|1:26.676
| align="center" |16
|1:24.959
| align="center" | 11
|1:24.733
| align="center" |9
|-
!4
|{{GBR}} [[Lando Norris]]
|{{GBR}} {{McLaren-Mercedes}}
|1:26.123
| align="center" |12
|1:25.153
| align="center" |13
|1:24.106
| align="center" |5
|-
!5
| {{GER}} [[Sebastian Vettel]]
|{{GBR}} {{Aston Martin-Mercedes}}
|1:26.007
| align="center" |10
|1:25.195
| align="center" |14
|1:25.115
| align="center" |16
|-
!6
|{{CAN}} [[Nicholas Latifi]]
|{{GBR}} {{Williams-Mercedes}}
|1:27.487
| align="center" |18
|1:25.687
| align="center" |18
| 1:25.322
| align="center" |18
|-
! 7
|{{FIN}} [[Kimi Räikkönen]]
|{{SUI}} {{Alfa Romeo-Ferrari}}
|1:26.189
| align="center" |13
|1:25.440
| align="center" |16
|1:25.037
| align="center" | 13
|-
!9
| {{RAF}} [[Nikita Mazepin]]
|{{USA}} {{Haas-Ferrari}}
|1:28.305
| align="center" |20
| 1:26.336
| align="center" |20
|1:26.332
| align="center" |20
|-
!10
|{{FRA}} [[Pierre Gasly]]
|{{ITA}} {{AlphaTauri-Honda}}
|1:25.822
| align="center" |7
|1:24.940
| align="center" |10
|1:24.251
| align="center" |7
|-
!11
|{{MEX}} [[Sergio Pérez]]
|
{{AUT}} {{Red Bull-Honda}}
|1:25.363
| align="center" |4
|1:24.400
| align="center" |5
|1:24.047
| align="center" |4
|-
!14
|{{ESP}} [[Fernando Alonso]]
|
{{FRA}} {{Alpine-Renault}}
|1:25.625
| align="center" |6
|1:24.495
| align="center" |6
| 1:25.094
| align="center" |15
|-
!16
| {{MCO}} [[Charles Leclerc]]
|{{ITA}} {{Ferrari-CON}}
|1:25.846
| align="center" |8
|1:24.557
| align="center" |8
|1:24.758
| align="center" |10
|-
! 18
|{{CAN}} [[Lance Stroll]]
|{{GBR}} {{Aston Martin-Mercedes}}
|1:26.608
| align="center" |15
| 1:25.385
| align="center" |15
|1:24.821
| align="center" |11
|-
!22
|{{JPN}} [[Yuki Tsunoda]]
|{{ITA}} {{AlphaTauri-Honda}}
|1:25.378
| align="center" |5
|1:24.532
| align="center" | 7
|1:24.223
| align="center" | 6
|-
!31
| {{FRA}} [[Esteban Ocon]]
|{{FRA}} {{Alpine-Renault}}
|1:26.025
| align="center" |11
|1:24.034
| align="center" |2
|1:24.834
| align="center" |12
|-
!33
|{{NED}} [[Max Verstappen]]
|{{AUT}} {{Red Bull-Honda}}
|'''1:25.009'''
| align="center" |'''1'''
|1:24.332
| align="center" |4
|1:23.488
| align="center" | 2
|-
!44
| {{GBR}} [[Lewis Hamilton]]
|{{GER}} {{Mercedes-CON}}
|1:25.355
| align="center" |3
|'''1:23.691'''
| align="center" |'''1'''
|'''1:23.274'''
| align="center" |'''1'''
|-
!47
|{{GER}} [[Mick Schumacher]]
|{{USA}} {{Haas-Ferrari}}
|1:27.698
| align="center" |19
| 1:25.784
| align="center" |19
|1:25.340
| align="center" |19
|-
!55
|{{ESP}} [[Carlos Sainz, Jr.]]
|{{ITA}} {{Ferrari-CON}}
|1:25.886
| align="center" |9
|1:24.844
| align="center" |9
|1:24.595
| align="center" |8
|-
!63
|{{GBR}} [[George Russell]]
|{{GBR}} {{Williams-Mercedes}}
! colspan="2" align="center" |{{abbr|DNP|Did not practice}}
| 1:25.549
| align="center" |17
| 1:25.220
| align="center" |17
|-
!77
|{{FIN}} [[Valtteri Bottas]]
| {{GER}} {{Mercedes-CON}}
|1:25.205
| align="center" |2
|1:24.083
| align="center" |3
|1:24.025
| align="center" |3
|-
!89
|{{GBR}} [[Jack Aitken]]
|{{GBR}} {{Williams-Mercedes}}
|1:27.481
| align="center" | 17
! colspan="4" align="center" |{{abbr|DNP|Did not practice}}
|-
!99
|{{ITA}} [[Antonio Giovinazzi]]
|{{SUI}} {{Alfa Romeo-Ferrari}}
|1:26.409
| align="center" |14
|1:25.108
| align="center" |12
|1:25.048
| align="center" |14
|-
! colspan="14" style="text-align:center" |'''Source:''' <ref>{{cite news|title={{PAGENAME}} – Practice 1 Results|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1107/abu-dhabi/practice-1.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=10 December 2021|accessdate=10 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title={{PAGENAME}} – Practice 2 Results|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1107/abu-dhabi/practice-2.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=10 December 2021|accessdate=10 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title={{PAGENAME}} – Practice 3 Results|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1107/abu-dhabi/practice-3.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=11 December 2021|accessdate=11 December 2021}}</ref>
|}

==Qualifying==
===Q1===
Hamilton set the fastest time of the session with Latifi, Russell, Raikkonen, Schumacher and Mazepin out of Q1.

===Q2===
After on-track traffic moments in the final seconds, Verstappen set the fastest time, but did so on soft tires as opposed to the Mercedes drivers on medium tires. Eliminated from the session were Alonso, Gasly, Stroll, Giovinazzi and Vettel.

=== Q3===
Verstappen set the fastest time that was unbeatable until the end of the session, with Hamilton, whose initial run was compromised by a lock-up into Turn 5, could not improve enough on his last run. Crucially however, Hamilton would be starting on the more durable medium compound as opposed to his rival's softs. Norris qualified a surprise third ahead of Perez, with Bottas in sixth in his last Mercedes outing.

===Qualifying Results===
The full qualifying results for the {{PAGENAME}} are outlined below:
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="font-size:85%"
! rowspan="2" width="4%" | <span style="cursor:help" title="Position">Pos.</span>
! rowspan="2" width="5%" |<span style="cursor:help" title="Number">No.</span>
! rowspan="2" width="23%" |Driver
! rowspan="2" width="23%" |Team
| rowspan="22" width="1px" |
! colspan="2" width="13%" |<span style="cursor:help" title="Qualifying 1">Q1</span>
| rowspan="22" width="1px" |
! colspan="2" width="13%" |<span style="cursor:help" title="Qualifying 2">Q2</span>
| rowspan="22" width="1px" |
! colspan="2" width="13%" |<span style="cursor:help" title="Qualifying 3">Q3</span>
! rowspan="2" width="5%" |Grid
|-
! width="4%" |<span style="cursor:help" title="Position">Pos.</span>
! width="9%" |Time
! width="4%" |<span style="cursor:help" title="Position">Pos.</span>
! width="9%" |Time
! width="4%" |<span style="cursor:help" title="Position">Pos.</span>
! width="9%" |Time
|-
! 1
| align="center" | 33
|{{NED}} [[Max Verstappen]]
|{{AUT}} {{Red Bull-Honda}}
!3
|1:23.322
!1
|'''1:22.800'''
!1
|'''1:22.109'''
!1
|-
!2
| align="center" |44
|{{GBR}} [[Lewis Hamilton]]
| {{GER}} {{Mercedes-CON}}
!1
|'''1:22.845'''
!3
|1:23.145
!2
|1:22.480
!2
|-
!3
| align="center" |4
|{{GBR}} [[Lando Norris]]
|{{GBR}} {{McLaren-Mercedes}}
!8
| 1:23.553
!7
|1:23.256
!3
|1:22.931
! 3
|-
!4
| align="center" |11
|{{MEX}} [[Sergio Pérez]]
|{{AUT}} {{Red Bull-Honda}}
!4
| 1:23.350
!2
|1:23.135
!4
|1:22.947
!4
|-
!5
| align="center" |55
|{{ESP}} [[Carlos Sainz]]
|{{ITA}} {{Ferrari-CON}}
!9
| 1:23.624
!4
|1:23.174
!5
|1:22.992
!5
|-
!6
| align="center" |77
|{{FIN}} [[Valtteri Bottas]]
|{{GER}} {{Mercedes-CON}}
!2
| 1:23.117
!6
|1:23.246
!6
|1:23.036
!6
|-
!7
| align="center" |16
|{{MCO}} [[Charles Leclerc]]
|{{ITA}} {{Ferrari-CON}}
!6
| 1:23.467
!5
|1:23.202
!7
|1:23.122
!7
|-
!8
| align="center" | 22
|{{JPN}} [[Yuki Tsunoda]]
|{{ITA}} {{AlphaTauri-Honda}}
!5
| 1:23.428
!8
|1:23.404
!8
|1:23.220
!8
|-
!9
| align="center" |31
|{{FRA}} [[Esteban Ocon]]
|{{FRA}} {{Alpine-Renault}}
!10
|1:23.764
!9
|1:23.420
!9
|1:23.389
!9
|-
!10
| align="center" |3
| {{AUS}} [[Daniel Ricciardo]]
|{{GBR}} {{McLaren-Mercedes}}
!11
|1:23.829
!10
|1:23.448
!10
|1:23.409
!10
|- style="border-top:2px solid black"
!11
| align="center" |14
|{{ESP}} [[Fernando Alonso]]
|{{FRA}} {{Alpine-Renault}}
!12
| 1:23.846
!11
|1:23.460
! rowspan="5" |
| rowspan="5" |
!11
|-
!12
| align="center" | 10
|{{FRA}} [[Pierre Gasly]]
|{{ITA}} {{AlphaTauri-Honda}}
!7
|1:23.489
!12
|1:24.043
!12
|-
!13
| align="center" |18
|{{CAN}} [[Lance Stroll]]
|{{GBR}} {{Aston Martin-Mercedes}}
!13
|1:24.061
! 13
|1:24.066
!13
|-
!14
| align="center" |99
|{{ITA}} [[Antonio Giovinazzi]]
|{{SUI}} {{Alfa Romeo-Ferrari}}
!14
| 1:24.118
!14
|1:24.251
!14
|-
!15
| align="center" |5
| {{GER}} [[Sebastian Vettel]]
|{{GBR}} {{Aston Martin-Mercedes}}
!15
|1:24.225
!15
|1:24.305
! 15
|- style="border-top:2px solid black"
!16
| align="center" |6
| {{CAN}} [[Nicholas Latifi]]
|{{GBR}} {{Williams-Mercedes}}
!16
|1:24.338
! rowspan="5" |
| rowspan="5" |
! rowspan="5" |
| rowspan="5" |
!16
|-
!17
| align="center" |63
|{{GBR}} [[George Russell]]
|{{GBR}} {{Williams-Mercedes}}
!17
|1:24.423
!17
|-
!18
| align="center" |7
|{{FIN}} [[Kimi Räikkönen]]
|{{SUI}} {{Alfa Romeo-Ferrari}}
!18
|1:24.779
!18
|-
!19
| align="center" | 47
|{{GER}} [[Mick Schumacher]]
|{{USA}} {{Haas-Ferrari}}
!19
|1:24.906
!19
|-
!20
| align="center" |9
|{{RAF}} [[Nikita Mazepin]]
|{{USA}} {{Haas-Ferrari}}
!20
|1:25.685
!{{abbr|DNS|Did not start}}
|-
! colspan="14" |[[107% Time]]: 1:28.644
|-
! colspan="14" |Source:<ref name="QR">{{PAGENAME}} - Qualifying, ''https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1107/abu-dhabi/qualifying.html'', (Formula One World Championship Limited, 2021. Retrieved on 11 Dec 2021)</ref>
|}
*'''Bold''' indicates the fastest driver's time in each session.

===Grid===
The starting grid of the [[#Race|feature race]] of the {{PAGENAME}} is outined below:

<div class="mw-customtoggle-Grid wds-button wds-is-secondary">Show Grid</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" id="mw-customcollapsible-Grid">

{{Grid/2-2/34r
| {{NED}} 33. [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]]
| {{GBR}} 44. [[Lewis Hamilton|Hamilton]]
| {{GBR}} 4. [[Lando Norris|Norris]]
| {{MEX}} 11. [[Sergio Pérez|Pérez]]
| {{ESP}} 55. [[Carlos Sainz|Sainz]]
| {{FIN}} 77. [[Valtteri Bottas|Bottas]]
| {{MCO}} 16. [[Charles Leclerc|Leclerc]]
| {{JPN}} 22. [[Yuki Tsunoda|Tsunoda]]
| {{FRA}} 31. [[Esteban Ocon|Ocon]]
| {{AUS}} 3. [[Daniel Ricciardo|Ricciardo]]
| {{ESP}} 14. [[Fernando Alonso|Alonso]]
| {{FRA}} 10. [[Pierre Gasly|Gasly]]
| {{CAN}} 18. [[Lance Stroll|Stroll]]
| {{ITA}} 99. [[Antonio Giovinazzi|Giovinazzi]]
| {{GER}} 5. [[Sebastian Vettel|Vettel]]
| {{CAN}} 6. [[Nicholas Latifi|Latifi]]
| {{GBR}} 63. [[George Russell|Russell]]
| {{FIN}} 7. [[Kimi Räikkönen|Räikkönen]]
| {{GER}} 47. [[Mick Schumacher|Schumacher]]
| {{RAF}} <s>9. [[Nikita Mazepin|Mazepin]]</s>
}}</div>

==Race==
===Report===
Hours before the race, it was announced that Mazepin had tested positive for COVID-19, hence not taking part in the start. There was no replacement fielded for him.<ref name="NMdns">[https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mazepin-ruled-out-of-abu-dhabi-f1-gp-after-positive-covid-19-test/6876905/ Motorsport.com]: Mazepin ruled out of Abu Dhabi F1 GP after positive COVID-19 test, ''https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mazepin-ruled-out-of-abu-dhabi-f1-gp-after-positive-covid-19-test/6876905/''</ref>

The race started at 17:00 local time on Sunday, [[December 12]]. [[Hamilton]] took the lead from [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]] at the start, [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]] attempted to repass in turn six.<ref name=":4">Planet F1: Max Verstappen clinches Formula 1 title in remarkable Abu Dhabi GP finale, ''https://www.planetf1.com/news/abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2021-race-report/'', accessed on 13 December 2021.</ref> [[Hamilton]] left the track, cut the corner and rejoined with his lead considerably extended. This caused an immediate protest to race director [[Michael Masi]] by {{Red Bull-CON}}, and the team was told by radio that [[Hamilton]] had given back any advantage gained.<ref name=":4" /> The incident was referred to the stewards, which concluded that no further investigation was necessary.<ref name=":4" /> [[Hamilton]] then gradually extended his lead until the first round of pit stops.

[[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]] made his stop at the end of lap 13 with [[Hamilton]] following suit one lap later, both opting for a set to the hardest available tyres. Red Bull decided not to stop Pérez, in the hope that he could hold up [[Hamilton]] later. [[Hamilton]] caught up with Pérez on lap 20 and attempted to pass with the advantage of his much fresher tyres. Pérez defended hard and was overtaken by but then repassed [[Hamilton]] until finally losing his position one lap later. He had, however, managed to make [[Hamilton]] lose almost his entire lead over [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]]. The latter was not able to attack, and [[Hamilton]]'s gap to [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]] gradually extended again.

On lap 26, Räikkönen collided with the barriers at turn six and subsequently retired due to brake issues, marking the end of his 349<sup>th</sup> and final Formula One start.

On lap 35, Giovinazzi retired his car with gearbox issues alongside the track, which triggered a virtual safety car period and ended his racing carrer in Formula 1. {{Red Bull-CON}} used this opportunity to bring [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]] in for a fresh set of the hardest tyres without losing track position, while [[Hamilton]] stayed out. Normal racing resumed two laps later<!-- deployed on lap 36, withdrawn on lap 38 -->. Using the advantage of fresher tyres, [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]] gradually reduced his deficit, but not at a rate which would have been sufficient to catch [[Hamilton]] before the end of the race.<ref name=":4" />

On lap 53, a crash for [[Nicholas Latifi]] brought out the [[Safety Car|safety car]]. [[Hamilton]] again stayed out without pitting, while [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]] pitted behind him for a fresh set of the softest available tyres. During the safety car period [[Sergio Pérez|Pérez]] retired, due to engine problems. After [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]]'s pit stop, he retained second, but with five lapped cars between himself and [[Hamilton]] (in first).

Prior to the end of the safety car, seemingly conflicting messages were given by race control regarding whether lapped cars would be able to unlap themselves from behind [[Hamilton]] before the safety car was withdrawn. Drivers were initially told this would not be done at all, but this decision was partially reversed on lap 57, with only the five lapped cars sitting in-between [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]] and [[Hamilton]] allowed to pass the safety car; the other three lapped cars were not given directions to overtake the [[Safety Car|safety car]].

The safety car pulled in at the end of the penultimate lap, allowing for one lap of green flag racing before the finish. On the final lap [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]] used his fresh soft tyres to pass [[Hamilton]] into turn five to take the lead of the race. He held off counter-attacks from [[Hamilton]] to win the race and his first World Drivers' Championship. {{Mercedes-CON}} gained enough points to win their eighth consecutive Constructors' title, extending their own record.<ref>Formula 1: 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix report and highlights: Brilliant Verstappen claims maiden title after victory in Abu Dhabi season finale after late Safety Car drama, ''https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.brilliant-verstappen-claims-maiden-title-after-victory-in-abu-dhabi-season.22Arui4l6BKK2PUsJgKqpZ.html'', accessed on 13 December 2021.</ref>

[[Hamilton]] finished the race in second, and third place was awarded to {{Ferrari-CON}} driver [[Carlos Sainz]], who completed the podium<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/dec/12/max-verstappen-f1-world-champion-mercedes-lewis-hamilton-intend-to-appeal-result The Guardian]: Verstappen crowned world champion but Mercedes to appeal against result, accessed on 12 December 2021.</ref> and ended 5th in the championship.

====Mercedes' post-race protests====
{{Mercedes-CON}} protested the result of the race on two counts: for [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]] overtaking [[Hamilton]] under the safety car, and that they believed race director [[Michael Masi]] did not follow the correct procedure by only allowing the lapped cars between [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]] and [[Hamilton]] to uplap themselves, before the restart at the end of lap 57, despite initially rejecting requests from {{Red Bull-CON}} to do so.<ref>Formula 1: Mercedes launch protests over Abu Dhabi GP result after Safety Car-affected race end, ''https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-mercedes-launch-protests-over-abu-dhabi-gp-result-after-safety-car.5oNwx2opecswnQ5S70O1cY.html'', accessed on 13 December 2021.</ref>

Normally all lapped cars would be allowed to unlap themselves, with the BBC's Andrew Benson saying the rules state that if race control allows cars to unlap themselves behind the safety car, then according to the Formula One sporting regulations all lapped cars should be allowed to unlap themselves. Both protests were rejected by the stewards following three hours of deliberation after the race and [[Max Verstappen|Verstappen]] was officially confirmed as World Champion.<ref>FIA: Decision - Mercedes Protest Art. 48.8 ([https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/doc_57_-_2021_abu_dhabi_grand_prix_-_decision_-_mercedes_protest_art._48.8.pdf PDF])</ref><ref>FIA: Decision - Mercedes Protest Art. 48.12 ([https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Decision%20-%20Mercedes%20Protest%20Art.%2048.12.pdf PDF])</ref>

Mercedes have lodged their intention to appeal to the FIA's International Court of Appeal citing potential breaches of Article 15 of the International Sporting Code and Article 10 of the FIA's Judicial and Disciplinary Code, with the team given 72 hours after the race has concluded to decide whether they wish to take the matter further.<ref>Formula 1: Stewards dismiss Mercedes’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix protests, as team lodge intention to appeal, ''https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-stewards-dismiss-mercedes-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-protests-as-team.Q8StGwXFdORYlI32Jggoz.html''</ref> Mercedes withdrew the appeal as the FIA announced a 'clarification exercise' on the final laps of the race.

====Drivers' reactions ====
[[George Russell]] who will drive for Mercedes in {{F1|2022}} called the race finishing decision of race director [[Michael Masi]] 'unacceptable'.{{Quote|Max is an absolutely fantastic driver who has had an incredible season and I have nothing but huge respect for him, but what just happened is absolutely unacceptable. I cannot believe what we’ve just seen.|[[George Russell]] via Twitter}} [[Lando Norris]] said the decision to go racing again on the last lap was made 'for TV'.<ref>[https://the-race.com/formula-1/norris-one-lap-shootout-for-f1-title-was-for-tv/ The Race] - Norris: one-lap shootout for F1 title was ‘for TV’</ref>

===Results===
The full results for the {{PAGENAME}} are outlined below:
{| class="wikitable"
!<span style="cursor:help;" title=" Position">Pos.</span>
!<span style="cursor:help;" title=" Car number">No.</span>
!Driver
!Constructor
!<span style="cursor:help;" title=" Laps completed">Laps</span>
!<span style="cursor:help;" title=" Time for winner, time or number laps behind leader or reason for retirement">Time/Retired</span>
!<span style="cursor:help;" title=" Grid position">Grid</span>
!<span style="cursor:help;" title=" Points gained from race">Points</span>
|-
!1
| align="center" |33
|{{NED}} [[Max Verstappen]]
| {{AUT}} {{Red Bull-Honda}}
|58
| 1:30:17.345
|1
!26<sup>{{abbr|FL|+1 point for achieving the fastest lap}}</sup>
|-
!2
| align="center" |44
|{{GBR}} [[Lewis Hamilton]]
|{{GER}} {{Mercedes-CON}}
|58
| +2.256s
|2
!18
|-
!3
| align="center" |55
|{{ESP}} [[Carlos Sainz]]
|{{ITA}} {{Ferrari-CON}}
|58
| +5.173s
|5
!15
|-
!4
| align="center" |22
|{{JPN}} [[Yuki Tsunoda]]
|{{ITA}} {{AlphaTauri-Honda}}
|58
| +5.692s
|8
!12
|-
!5
| align="center" |10
|{{FRA}} [[Pierre Gasly]]
|{{ITA}} {{AlphaTauri-Honda}}
| 58
| +6.531s
|12
!10 
|-
!6
| align="center" |77
|{{FIN}} [[Valtteri Bottas]]
|{{GER}} {{Mercedes-CON}}
|58
| +7.463s
|6
!8
|-
!7
| align="center" |4
|{{GBR}} [[Lando Norris]]
|{{GBR}} {{McLaren-Mercedes}}
|58
| +59.200s
|3
!6
|-
!8
| align="center" |14
|{{ESP}} [[Fernando Alonso]]
|{{FRA}} {{Alpine-Renault}}
|58
| +61.708s
| 11
!4
|-
!9
| align="center" |31
|{{FRA}} [[Esteban Ocon]]
|{{FRA}} {{Alpine-Renault}}
|58
| +64.026s
|9
! 2
|-
!10
| align="center" |16
|{{MCO}} [[Charles Leclerc]]
|{{ITA}} {{Ferrari-CON}}
| 58
| +66.057s
|7
! 1
|-
!11
| align="center" |5
|{{GER}} [[Sebastian Vettel]]
| {{GBR}} {{Aston Martin-Mercedes}}
|58
| +67.527s
|15
! rowspan="10" |
|-
!12
| align="center" | 3
| {{AUS}} [[Daniel Ricciardo]]
|{{GBR}} {{McLaren-Mercedes}}
|57
| +1 lap
|10
|-
!13
| align="center" |18
|{{CAN}} [[Lance Stroll]]
|{{GBR}} {{Aston Martin-Mercedes}}
|57
| +1 lap
|13
|-
!14
| align="center" |47
|{{GER}} [[Mick Schumacher]] 
|{{USA}} {{Haas-Ferrari}}
|57
| +1 lap
|19
|-
!15<sup>†</sup>
| align="center" |11
|{{MEX}} [[Sergio Pérez]]
|{{AUT}} {{Red Bull-Honda}}
| 55
|Engine
|4
|-
!{{abbr|Ret|Retired}}
| align="center" |6
|{{CAN}} [[Nicholas Latifi]]
|{{GBR}} {{Williams-Mercedes}}
|50
|Collision
|16
|-
!{{abbr|Ret|Retired}}
| align="center" |99
|{{ITA}} [[Antonio Giovinazzi]]
|{{SUI}} {{Alfa Romeo-Ferrari}}
|33
|Gearbox
|14
|-
!{{abbr|Ret|Retired}}
| align="center" |63
|{{GBR}} [[George Russell]]
|{{GBR}} {{Williams-Mercedes}}
|26
|Transmission
|17
|-
!{{abbr|Ret|Retired}} 
| align="center" |7
|{{FIN}} [[Kimi Räikkönen]]
|{{SUI}} {{Alfa Romeo-Ferrari}}
|25 
|Brakes
|18
|-
!{{abbr|ILL|Illness}}
| align="center" |9
|{{RAF}} [[Nikita Mazepin]]
|{{USA}} {{Haas-Ferrari}}
|0
| COVID-19
|20
|-
! colspan="8" |Source:<ref name="RR">{{PAGENAME}} - Race Result, ''https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1107/abu-dhabi/race-result.html'', (Formula One World Championship Limited, 2021), accessed on 12 Dec 2021)</ref>
|}
*<sup>†</sup> Perez retired after completing more than 90% race distance; his race was classified.

==Milestones==
*8<sup>th</sup> consecutive [[List of World Constructors' Champions|World Constructors' Championship]] title for {{Mercedes-CON}}.
*First [[List of World Drivers' Champions|World Drivers' Championship]] title for [[Max Verstappen]].
** Verstappen is first [[Netherlands|Dutch]] driver to win a [[Formula One]] World Championship.
**Verstappen is the fourth youngest driver to attain a {{abbr|WDC|World Drivers' Championship}} title; at age 24 years, 2 months, 12 days.
**10<sup>th</sup> race win this season for Verstappen and 20<sup>th</sup> race win overall.
**60<sup>th</sup> podium for Verstappen overall.
**3<sup>rd</sup> [[hat-trick]] for Verstappen.
**'''''NEW F1 RECORD''''': Most [[Podium|podiums]] scored during a season; his ''18<sup>th</sup>'' was achieved at [[2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix|this race]] 
*** Surpassing the previous record of 17 by both [[Michael Schumacher]] and [[Lewis Hamilton]].
* 100<sup>th</sup> entry and start for [[Lance Stroll]].
**Stroll is the 75<sup>th</sup> driver to reach this milestone.
*350<sup>th</sup> entry for [[Kimi Räikkönen]].
* 75<sup>th</sup> race win for {{Red Bull-CON}}.
----
*Final race in [[Formula One|F1]] for:
**[[Kimi Räikkönen]]; retired from racing.
**[[Antonio Giovinazzi]]; will race in Formula E [[2022 Formula One Season|next year]].
*Final race for the following drivers in their respective teams:
**[[Valtteri Bottas]] in {{Mercedes-CON}}.
**[[George Russell]] in {{Williams-CON}}.
*Final race for {{Honda-ENG}} as an engine supplier.

==Standings==

{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
{|class=wikitable style="width:80%"
! colspan=4|Drivers' World Championship
|-
! <span style="cursor:help" title="Position">Pos.</span>
! Driver
! <span style="cursor:help" title="Points">Pts.</span>
! +/-
|-
| '''1'''
| {{NED}} [[Max Verstappen]]
| '''395.5'''
| {{X}}
|-
| 2
| {{GBR}} [[Lewis Hamilton]]
| 387.5
| {{X}}
|-
| 3
| {{FIN}} [[Valtteri Bottas]]
| 226
| {{X}}
|-
| 4
| {{MEX}} [[Sergio Pérez]]
| 190
| {{X}}
|-
| 5
| {{ESP}} [[Carlos Sainz]]
| 164.5
| {{+}}2
|-
| 6
| {{GBR}} [[Lando Norris]]
| 160
| {{X}}
|-
| 7
| {{MCO}} [[Charles Leclerc]]
| 159
| {{-}}2
|-
| 8
| {{AUS}} [[Daniel Ricciardo]]
| 115
| {{X}}
|-
| 9
| {{FRA}} [[Pierre Gasly]]
| 110
| {{X}}
|-
| 10
| {{ESP}} [[Fernando Alonso]]
| 81
| {{X}}
|-
| 11
| {{FRA}} [[Esteban Ocon]]
| 74
| {{X}}
|-
| 12
| {{GER}} [[Sebastian Vettel]]
| 43
| {{X}}
|-
| 13
| {{CAN}} [[Lance Stroll]]
| 34
| {{X}}
|-
| 14
| {{JPN}} [[Yuki Tsunoda]]
| 32
| {{X}}
|-
| 15
| {{GBR}} [[George Russell]]
| 16
| {{X}}
|-
| 16
| {{FIN}} [[Kimi Räikkönen]]
| 10
| {{X}}
|-
| 17
| {{CAN}} [[Nicholas Latifi]]
| 7
| {{X}}
|-
| 18
| {{ITA}} [[Antonio Giovinazzi]]
| 3
| {{X}}
|}

{{Col-2}}
{|class=wikitable style="width:80%"
! colspan=4|Constructors' World Championship
|-
! <span style="cursor:help" title="Position">Pos.</span>
! Team
! <span style="cursor:help" title="Points">Pts.</span>
! +/-
|-
| '''1'''
| {{GER}} {{Mercedes-CON}}
| '''613.5'''
| {{X}}
|-
| 2
| {{AUT}} {{Red Bull-Honda}}
| 585.5
| {{X}}
|-
| 3
| {{ITA}} {{Ferrari-CON}}
| 323.5
| {{X}}
|-
| 4
| {{GBR}} {{McLaren-Mercedes}}
| 275
| {{X}}
|-
| 5
| {{FRA}} {{Alpine-Renault}}
| 155
| {{X}}
|-
| 6
| {{ITA}} {{AlphaTauri-Honda}}
| 142
| {{X}}
|-
| 7
| {{GBR}} {{Aston Martin-Mercedes}}
| 77
| {{X}}
|-
| 8
| {{GBR}} {{Williams-Mercedes}}
| 23
| {{X}}
|-
| 9
| {{SUI}} {{Alfa Romeo-Ferrari}}
| 13
| {{X}}
|}
{{Col-end}}
<p style="text-align:center;">''Only point-scoring drivers and constructors are shown.''</p>

==See also==
*[https://f2.fandom.com/wiki/2021_Yas_Marina_Sprint_Race_1 F2 2021 Yas Marina Sprint Race 1]
*[https://f2.fandom.com/wiki/2021_Yas_Marina_Sprint_Race_2 F2 2021 Yas Marina Sprint Race 2] 
*[https://f2.fandom.com/wiki/2021_Yas_Marina_Feature_Race F2 2021 Yas Marina Feature Race]

==References==
Images and Videos:
*
References:
{{Reflist}}
{{2021}}
{{Abu Dhabi Grand Prix}}
{{Wiki banner bottom}}

[[Category:Grand Prix articles]]
[[Category:2021 Formula One Season]]
[[Category:2021 Grands Prix]]
[[Category:Abu Dhabi Grand Prix]]
{{DEFAULTSORT: {{#sub:{{PAGENAME}}|5}}, {{#sub:{{PAGENAME}}|0|4}} }}