Need to verify the exact details: the race was on December 12, 2021. Hamilton started second, Verstappen led from the start. Safety car came out due to an accident involving Kimi Räikkönen. Both leaders made a pit stop, and then the Safety Car was called again with one lap to go, leading to the controversy.
Wait, actually, no, the circuit layout wasn't changed for the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP. The layout had been modified in 2019, but for 2021, it was the same. The main controversy was the race director's decision to allow a safety car period with one lap to go, changing the outcome. Need to verify the exact details: the race
Also, possible mention of other aspects, like the rain in the race, but I don't think it rained during the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP. Maybe a dry race with high temperatures. Both leaders made a pit stop, and then
Double-checking the facts to ensure accuracy. Let me confirm: the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP was Verstappen's 1st victory of the season, and it sealed Hamilton's 7th title? Wait, no. The final results were: Hamilton finished second, Verstappen won, and Lando Norris third. But the key was that Hamilton had to finish ahead of Verstappen but behind Norris to keep the title. But in the end, Verstappen's win gave him the title, while Hamilton was second. The main controversy was the race director's decision
Finally, summarizing the event and reflecting on its significance in F1 history.
I should also highlight the significance of the race—deciding the championship title, the points, and the implications for the drivers.