The highly controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which saw Max Verstappen clinch his first Formula 1 world title in dramatic fashion, has resurfaced in the headlines after new corruption allegations were made against key figures involved in the race. The claims have reignited the debate surrounding the fairness of the race and the actions of officials during one of the most contentious moments in modern F1 history.

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which was the final race of the season, saw Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen head into the race tied in points, setting up a nail-biting showdown. Hamilton led for most of the race and appeared to be on course for his record-breaking eighth world championship. However, a late safety car incident following Nicholas Latifi’s crash changed the course of the race—and history.

The race director at the time, Michael Masi, made the decision to allow only the cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to un-lap themselves, leading to a one-lap sprint to the finish with Verstappen on fresher tires. Verstappen overtook Hamilton in dramatic fashion, securing the race win and the championship. The decision sparked immediate outrage from Hamilton fans and the Mercedes team, who felt that Masi’s call was unfair and went against the established rules.

Now, almost three years later, the controversy has resurfaced as new allegations of corruption have been made, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to the incident. According to recent reports, a former FIA official has accused unnamed figures of influencing decisions made during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, suggesting that outside pressure may have played a role in how the race unfolded.

These claims have raised serious questions about the integrity of the sport and the fairness of its governing body, the FIA. If proven true, this could have massive implications, not only for the outcome of the 2021 championship but also for the credibility of Formula 1 as a whole.

Neither Lewis Hamilton nor Max Verstappen has commented publicly on these new allegations. However, the resurgence of the controversy has reignited tensions between their respective fan bases. Many Hamilton supporters have long argued that the race was unfairly manipulated, and these corruption charges will only fuel their belief that Hamilton was wrongfully denied his eighth world title. Verstappen’s fans, on the other hand, maintain that the Dutchman won the championship fair and square under the rules of racing.

The FIA has yet to officially respond to the latest allegations, but it has been under scrutiny ever since the 2021 Abu Dhabi debacle. Following the race, Michael Masi was removed from his position as race director, and the FIA introduced changes to the way races are officiated in an effort to prevent such incidents from happening again.

The new allegations have cast a shadow over these reforms, with many questioning whether enough has been done to ensure transparency and fairness in the sport. If corruption was indeed involved in the 2021 title decider, it could lead to calls for further investigation and potentially even changes to how F1 is governed.

As the corruption charges are investigated, the world of Formula 1 will be watching closely. This fresh controversy could have significant implications not just for the individuals involved, but for the sport as a whole. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see whether these allegations will lead to a deeper investigation or if the 2021 season finale will continue to be a point of heated debate in F1 history.

Regardless of the outcome, the resurfacing of the Abu Dhabi controversy serves as a reminder of just how high the stakes are in Formula 1 and how a single race can have far-reaching consequences for the sport and its stars. The tension between Hamilton and Verstappen may have cooled on the track, but the fallout from Abu Dhabi 2021 seems far from over.