One called one destiny

 

Season like no other

The 2021 F1 season was one of the best, most competitive and Thrace mingled events we have ever seen in a long time in F1 history. Two fearless drivers were tangled to each other for the entire season and every single time when they go wheel to wheel their fans held their breath and watched without holding back. Those two drivers were named Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. There are polar drivers, Both drivers drove their go-kart since their childhood. Max had the wealthiest childhood than Lewis. Max has some extent of aggressively driving pattern rather than Lewis. Lewis has always calculated the risk and uses his years of experience when he goes for overtake or risky movement. If we get into the story without too much glare, both drivers had created a brilliant championship battle and It will not fade from the hearts of the F1 fans for years to come. Eventually, when they came to the 2021 season, Lewis had seven world titles and Max has a huge hunger to grab his first world title. This document is based on the last dramatic race in the 2021 season. It was Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Grand Prix.

This race was so special because of various reasons. The first and most important one was Lewis and Max came to Abu Dhabi with the level of points. That is to say, the winner of the race will take the championship title. The second one was Max and Lewis had collided with each other several times in the 2021 season. Among those crashes, the Silverstone crash was a terrible and deadly one. In the very first lap in the British Grand Prix, Max and Lewis had collied in the middle of the corpse corner. Then Max was thrown out of the track and faced into a 51 G crash. After that crash, in the famous Monza circuit, they had tangled again. This time both drivers were retired from the race. At the end of this crucial drama, two races before the end of the season at Jeddah, Max had break tested on Lewis and they collied once again. In a nutshell entire 2021 season consists of these types of crashes, wheel-to-wheel actions, and heated moments.

So many incidents and controversies happened and those scenes are screened on TV just like a dram. Before Abu Dhabi, Hamilton won Losail GP (At Qatar ) and Jeddah in Saudi. Both times, Max has to settle down in second place. But among that two races, Max Verstappen drove brilliantly in Qatar GP, and in that race, he came to seven to second. In Qatar Max has obtained the seventh place in the grid. Nevertheless, this young driver manages to mitigate his championship-leading with an English driver. Same as Qatar, Max had a flying Q3 lap (Qualifying ) in Jeddah, but unfortunately, he couldn’t complete it cause of the last corner crash. But the race was completely going hype. Mercedes car is flying in Jeddah circuit and using long straight advantage with DRS option, with that sort of technical advantages Lewis was unstoppable.

In addition, his long-term teammate Valteri could manage to stand up on the podium also. At the end of this beautiful night in Saudi Arabia, Lewis and Valteri took place first and third, Max was not happy but with the level of point mentality, he had a good mood towards the Abu Dhabi race.

Dream Start for Lewis Hamilton

All eyes onto the Yas Marina circuit and two impressive drivers might be one of the best racing couples in their generation ready to the rumble. In the qualifying round on Saturday, Max drove tremendously and got P1, Lewis goes for P2. In Yas Marina racing track, turn one tend into the left-hand side, and if any driver who occupied the second grid position has slightly benefit rather than pole driver( When you recorded faster’s a lap in qualifying round, you named as a pole driver.). Because the second grid starter has more than a 65% chance to take the inside line and take maximum advantage of leading the Grand Prix. But for that move, the driver should be very conscious about breaking the zone and must manage better exits for the next straight line. If he paddled his break more than the appropriate level It would be a lockup. Therefore suitable break balance and better exit would be a key element down to the turn one. In pole seter's point of view, if he wants to defend his rivalry,he needs a proper start, instant acceleration with solid inside line covering. All the cars came to the grid positions. Commentary Crofty has raised his voice through microphone,

“ We have been waiting for this all season long , Finale ,title decider , under the lights here in Abu Dhabi .It’s lights out away we go…”

Hamilton gets decent start already ahead Max Verstappen , Max’s start was not so accuracy but he tried to cover inside line before they reaching to the turn one . But seventh-time world champion has passed 24 years old Dutch driver bitt second and leads Yas Marina grand-prix. After the turn one , Hamilton asked from his racing engineer “Bono, what’s the situation behind ??” his reply was , “Max in second place, keep your head down ” When we consider Red bull car and Mercedes car technically , Mercedes has unquestionable pace and quick acceleration . But Red Bull has better racing driver ,probably one of the best one they’ve ever seen since Sebastian Vettel. Again let’s focus into the Race . Lewis managed the pace and distance Hamilton used medium tires and Verstappen drove with soft compound tires. Verstappen mitigating gap between race leader ,using his pace and grip. In the other hand Verstappen so fast in the corners and Hamilton was untouchable in straight-line. Basically Yas Marina consider as a mid-range power track. It consists with two DRS sectors In lap 1 , young Dutchman came back in turn 6 ( Yas Marina circuit in the below)

tried to inside line and nudging Hamilton wide and over the runoff, But Lewis continued the lead. Red Bull racing principal Christian Horner asking for an investigation about Hamilton’s additional gained , but steward said “ No investigation necessary.” Because FIA mentioned , Max pushed him(Lewis) off the track. Honestly now race has seen like easy win for Hamilton and according to this formation he’ll break Michal Schumacher’s record. After the lap 8 , Verstappen’s soft tire has began to drop and he lost 2.5 seconds and 3.5 seconds respectively. Therefore Red bull decided to pit Verstappen soon as possible. After the lap 13 , Verstappen came through the pit lane and immediate he dropped in second to fifth. When Verstappen pitted , Hamilton do the same thing in very next lap . Meanwhile Mexican racing driver Sergio “Checo” Perez leads Yas Marina Grand-prix . When he came to the leading of the race , He asked from his racing engineer ..

“ What’s the plan ?? “ they replied and advised to “Checo “ “Hold Hamilton ..” there onwards Mexican driver started his duty. Hamilton was flying out from the track and re-joined the race.

He has 2.8 seconds time gap with Checo and two DRS sectors would be enough to reduced that gap. By Lap 20, Hamilton was in DRS range of Perez and the Mexican had been told to hold up Hamilton. So, bearing down on the lead Red Bull, Hamilton made it past him towards Turn 6 but Perez led into the corner. However, the Mercedes driver had a better exit and led into the following. Another twist in the tale as Perez made his way past the seven-time champion going Turn 9 and led into Lap 21. Perez led by a whisker starting the 21st lap, Hamilton again getting a superior exit out of Turn 5 and pinning the Red Bull to the outside going into Turn 6, finally taking the lead of the race. But Perez had done his job, and done it admirably, holding up the Mercedes enough for Verstappen to make up five seconds advantage. Then in turn 5 , Red bull asked to Checo give the enough space for Verstappen .So young dutchman paid his respect for his team mate for holding Hamilton until his arrives. “Wooo…Checo is a legend “ he said that phrase via team radio when he passed his team mate. Until lap 21 to 56 , nothing has happened . Hamilton steadily maintained his gap with Verstappen. Now gap is 2.5 seconds but Max Verstappen couldn’t see any proper opportunity to win the race. Then miracle has happened.

Latifi’s Crash

When Verstappen came across that midfield gaggle on Lap 51 he was just over 11 seconds behind Hamilton, the lead now looking insurmountable. That was, until Nicholas Latifi crashed on Lap 53 exiting Turn 14, bringing out a Safety Car. This would be a one last hope for Verstappen for winning the race. Hamilton is not happy ,because after four -five laps he would be a champ. But now safety car has deployed and he should reduce his pace down to 30% ( Under the FIA rules). According to the FIA rules and regulations under safety car circumstances , when safety car has deployed any cars in the track would be able to reach free pit stopping . In this scenario Max goes for a pit and changed his tires into the soft compound tires. But he lost his track positions . previously he was in second place and after the pitting , he drop down to the sixth places.( But In actual order he’s still in second place. Between Hamilton and Verstappen there were five lap cars.) Cause of this lap cars , Verstappen had very narrow chance to overtake Lewis Hamilton . Because there were five lap cars ahead he and Hamilton and under the safety car they have only one or two laps to racing. But still there is one chance!! Red bull racing team had pitted Max based on that assumption.

Lap cars would be able to overtake safety car.

Normally , Under the safety car situation If lap cars were not in actual sequence or if they were stuck in middle of the pack. Race director has authority to let them overtake safety car and rejoin to actual sequence. Because it helps to keep actual formation of the race without any hinderance. But this rule isn’t mandatary o . It has been occasionally based on the race director’s concerns. In in Abu Dhabi finale , Michale massi who the race controller took that stern decision and let lap cars to overtake the safety car. When race director was informed his decision to drivers who in the middle of the pack , Norris , Alanso , Ocon ,Leclerc and Vettel would be able to overtake the safety car. Then immediately Verstappen came to the Hamilton’s tail. Hamilton asked previously “ Do we need to change the tires.” But Bono was informed “If we pitted we lost track position.” But when max came to his tail with soft compound tires. Hamilton realized they made lethal mistake. But it’s too late to revise it.” ,Hamilton is not happy , Toto is not happy either. before for the green flag (It’s the sign for the restart) Hamilton asked from his race engineer. “Bono, Is he right behind me ,with new tires ??” Bono’s reply was “Yes he will be.”

Greatest Snatching ever

In lap 56 , Safety car moving away and as a race leader Hamilton has controlling power and rights to start the race. In turn 12 ,both drivers in wheel to wheel and Verstappen’s race engineer GP said via his team radio. “This is it mate, this is it.” Hamilton starts his acceleration and crowd goes roaring , Crofty again raised his voice and two championship contenders were started their one last battle. “We have one lap of racing to decide the championship in 2021.Hamilton has a advantage ,Verstappen has faster fresher tires .3.2 miles of the racing action.” All the drama all the controversies coming down for this. Verstappen sent off for Hamilton . first overtaking zone would be fine but in the third sector Verstappen drove with such a passion and confidence , In the turn 5 Hamilton goes little bit of wide due to his old tires and there was enough space in inside corner. Non sentimental Verstappen push into that gap within a one second. Hamilton sees his coming but couldn’t cover inside because he’s in understeer .Verstappen’s late lunging goes according to the plan. After the turn 5 , Verstappen get astonishing exit and then push into the next two DRS zones . Turn 5 isn’t common overtaking place in Yas Marina circuit .But in here Max took that chance because he knew he’ll be able to defense Hamilton in next two DRS zones. Hamilton either thought Max won’t overtake in this corner . Therefore he wasn’t close the room. Despite his old tires ,Hamilton was the fastest driver in the track. Therefore he tried to overtake in next long straight line. He got better slipstream in both terms . But nothing happened because Dutch man wasn’t leave his inside line with solid defensing. In the last DRS zone’s speed trap ,both drivers so close to contact. But still Verstappen stays ahead. After the turn 9 , Hamilton gave up . He knew his team made huge mistake and Red bull took it greedy. In the turn 16 Verstappen had better exit with sophisticated drifting . Turn 16 was last corner in Yas Marina. Then he passed checkered flag as a world champion. After 2.234 seconds Hamilton over way the checkered flag . Honestly , They have shared brilliant championship battle . But Championship can only be won by one .and this year It’s going Dutch. When Max crossed the line his former team mate Alex Albon screaming

“Oh!! My lord Max. You’re the world champion.”

Strategy is Strategy

Among all the races on the F1 calendar, Monaco Grand Prix would be one of the most attractive racing events of the year. Monaco was one of the wealthiest places in the world. The country consists of 38682 population and it is the second smallest sovereign country in the world. Every year, June first week and the second week would be a delightful, sophisticated experience for every citizen who lived in Monaco. Because Monaco Grand Prix coming to Monte Carlo. The beautiful ocean and well-matched environmental attributes give such a mind-blowing thought to every F1 lover. Oh!!1 don’t swipe the article, I’m not going to explain anything about Monaco’s geographical significance. I’m here to stand up with the 2022 Monaco grand Prix summary. At the end of the race, rain happened and race time was regulated to certain laps. Despite all these obstacles, a driver who came from Mexico,Sergio Perez won his first Monaco Grand Prix and It was his third all-time victory. He drove with the same passion he had in massive ages and in the end, there was nothing left for the Red bull race team other than to trust him. Max Verstappen made a huge mistake in qualifying at the Q3 . Unfortunately, there was unavoidable debris on the track, therefore he has to settle with P4 in the starting grid. According to the Saturday qualifying, “Monaco Boy” Charles Leclerc goes for the P1, and respectively Sainz,Sergio and Max booked the rest of the places for the Sunday race. Considering Monaco grand prix 2022 , There were three main points that should be discussed, some of them can be interpreted as controversial incidents, and some experts in motorsport defined those terms as a racing incident. Below, I have mentioned three main causes, which happened in Monaco.

 •Race Time regulating

 •Why max Verstappen not penalized for his pit lane exit drama

 •Ferrari’s the wrong strategy Let’s move on to in detail one by one. 

  Race Time

Following FIA rules and regulations, Race time would be the most crucial thing in F1 racing . Basically Race director devotes 3 hours to race. In Monaco scheduled race time was 15:00 PM and there was no rain at 14:45 PM . But after 3 PM, light rain started, and Immediately inexperienced, the fresh race director announced the race will start at 3:15 PM . So All the cars went out from their pit lanes and at 3:16PM , the formation lap started behind the safety car. But as the rain started again all the cars were sent to the Monaco Pit lane and notice has sent for racing that the principal race won’t start till the rain stopped. The race started again at 4:07 PM, behind the safety car. When the Safety car moved away and race controllers were waving the green flag. Then Charles Leclerc starts pushing. Due to these factors, about an hour was wasted in the race. But if the race director had been brave enough to start the race at 3:40 PM ,he would be able to reduce the wasted time. Due to this reason, the complete race has changed from lap number 77 to 64. In addition, this race was further delayed due to Mick Schumacher’s high-speed crash. The race director had to go back to the red flag due to an accident on lap 27. In line with the ideas of the fan, If rain wasn’t here race might be boring because in Monaco there aren’t so many overtaking rooms and straight lines. But the rain has changed the full context of the race and it has moved on to the strategic game plan. 

  Why Max Verstappen not penalized for his pit lane exit drama

Every circuit has a dividing line between the main track and pit lane. If the driver comes from the pit, he cannot enter the main road until he crosses the dividing line. In a nutshell, no driver has the right to cross the dividing line and reach the main road. If he wants to enter the main road, he must drive his car end of the dividing line, and then he can pull out his car into the main circuit. This law is being severely scrutinized by the FIA.  In the 2020 season, Alfa Tari driver Yuki Tsunoda has penalized for the same error in SPA.

New rules and regulations in FIA

But in Monaco, On lap 23 when Max pitted and thereafter leave the pit lane, clearly his left-wing and front tire touched the yellow line. This incident was seen when viewed from Charles’s onboard. Therefore, It is time for Scurdia Ferrari to issue a penalty mark against Max Verstappen without hesitation. At a first glance, this may seem like a reasonable request, but a race director with just only two weeks of professional experience did not give any single penalty for Max. Here’s the reason!!! Yes !! According to the FIA rules, Crossing the dividing yellow line is prohibited under any circumstances. But new rules have been renovated after 2021, According to the updated laws, when the driver crosses the yellow line his entire tire should be crossed the line or beyond the line. Partial crossing won’t be considered a fault. (Article 5 of Appendix L of the ISC) So staying on that plus point, the Red bull racing team was argued back. Because few parts of Verstappen’s tire crossed the line and 9 cm of his left-wing was located beyond the line.   At the end of the investigation,  FIA warned Max and the team sternly but non of the penalty has  taken against Max. So defending champion Verstappen could keep his podium place without any burden. 

  Ferrari’s wrong strategy

F1 has a special saying .It’s a common thing all the time . No matter how advanced the technology is ,this saying is timeless. “If you want to win a F1 grand prix  , 50% about driver and other 50% about car. But apart from that percentage,  100% is all about strategy” It implies that Strategy is a big cheese in F1. A skillful strategical crew can turn over any format of the game. In anyhow last 10 years, Ferrari is the oldest and most prominent racing team. It has been very difficult to find the cream of the cream tactical team. This caused severe injustice to skillful drivers like Sebastian Vettel. So ..If we jump into Monaco, Ferrari was done the same mistake again and again. After the controversial restart,  according to the race director’s message at 3:45 PM , “wet tire is mandatory for cars” due to the wet condition of the track. When a race has started, drivers like Piere  Gasly go to the pit soon as possible and change their tires from Wet to Intermediate. Because weather forecasting has announced there’ll be no rain anymore. So Gasly did a tremendous job with his intermediate tires and made a few impressive overtakes. Piere did that, mainly because he has a really bad qualifying session on Saturday and he hasn’t anything to loos. But when considering front row mayhem, the racing strategy was completely different. Perez pits on lap 15 much earlier than all the other three drivers. Here Red bull did that gamble because they do need to win the race and mitigate the championship lead with Ferrari. On Sunday Charles drove a very solid race. So Perez came to the pit and Max came to third place second place was already taken Sainz . But here very crucial and unexpected incident happened.

Time difference between race leader and other drivers

 The impact of this incident will change the whole context of the race. Honestly, If Perez stuck behind the Lando Norris in Monaco. Perez never won this race. Because Monaco is too hard to overtake and Norris will defend using his maximum effort to hold Perez behind. But fortunately, Norris has pitted in the very next lap and then Perez has enough room to push. If you consider the above graph carefully You’ll see that, When Perez pits, All three drivers(Max,Leclerc,Sainz) have gained substantial distance. But due to Lando Norris pitting advantage, Perez regained his track position and start his hunting with an Intermediate tire. Ferrari has taken their decision to pit Leclerc in Lap 17, the same well as Verstappen. Now Perez came to second place and Sainz leads Monaco Grand Prix. At this moment  Ferrari made a huge mistake Because Sainz drove with wet tires and Perez drove with high grip intermediate tires. Ferrari the strategical team thought Leclerc will regain his track position with intermediate tires when he returns to the circuit. But “Mexican Ministry of Defense “Sergio Perez was a hell of the fast Lap 16-21 and in this period Leclerc lost more than 12 seconds.   In my mind, Ferrari might not think Sergio won’t be fast like that.

Top 3 driver's pace with Sergio Perez

 But actually, he is ….. Meanwhile, Ferrari made their second mistake on Lap 20. They called Leclerc to pit for the hard tire.(At this moment rain has stopped permanently )  At the same time, they called for Sainz to change his tire from Wet to Hard (It was his first pit stop for the entire race).  When Leclerc pitted, he lost another five-second and his Monaco dream will go away. 

Frankly, Ferrari’s Strategical team made huge damage to his championship lead. On lap 21, both red bull drivers pitted and Carlos Sainz overtook Verstappen when he left the pit stop. But Prancing's horsepower couldn’t help to stop Perez’s Monaco victory. The below graph shows Sergio Perez and other drivers’ time differences. When Perez pits at lap 16 ,he lost 15 seconds . But with his intermediate tire he gained 6 seconds to sainz , 22 seconds to Verstappen and 25 seconds to Leclerc. But most crucial point in entire race was   lap 21 , When Leclerc called for a second time for hard tires . He lost 16 seconds to Perez and then his pace not good enough for match the pace. When all drivers move onto the hard compound tires , time differences won’t be vary much as we predicted. Conclusion of this race was , Ferrari’s underestimate Checo’s (Sergio Perez) pace . Leclerc’s both pit stops were utter wrong and consequences  was he missed his home race victory again. But Checo will deserve this victory .