Christian Horner says he deliberately pressured race director Michael Masi during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to secure a final chance for Max Verstappen to challenge Lewis Hamilton. Masi’s controversial safety-car restart gave Verstappen a one-lap opportunity, which he converted to win the race and his first title. Horner maintains the decision was Masi’s responsibility, but the admission renews debate over how the championship was decided.

By the Numbers
  • Verstappen and Hamilton entered the finale tied on points.
  • One lap remained when the race restarted.
  • Verstappen passed Hamilton to win his first world championship.
Yes, But

Horner argues Red Bull did not control the restart; Masi did. But the FIA later found that human error affected the safety-car procedure, and Masi was removed before the 2022 season. The disputed decision continues to fuel claims that Hamilton was unfairly denied the title.

Bottom Line

Horner’s account confirms that team pressure was part of the final-lap drama, but it does not resolve whether the restart was fair. The controversy remains a defining test of F1’s rules, race control and competitive limits.