Verstappen's controversial Abu Dhabi triumph wins BAFTA

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has scooped the BAFTA for Sport at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards.

Sky Sports partnered with F1 and Channel 4 to provide coverage of the 2021 season-finale that controversially saw Red Bull driver Max Verstappen clinch his maiden world championship.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton had been comfortable in the lead and on course for what would have been a record-breaking eighth F1 title - taking him past Michael Schumacher - before a late safety car was triggered by Nicholas Latifi.

Chaos ensued, with ire directed at then-FIA race director Michael Masi by Mercedes for his handling of the situation as his decision in handling lapped cars chopped and changed and the regulations around the safety car procedures were not adhered to.

Mercedes appealed, resulting in a stewards' hearing lasting late into the night, with the whole event covered extensively by Sky Sports' production.

Sky Sports managing director Jonathan Licht said: "This award is a tribute to the incredible Sky Sports F1 team who follow the frantic and frenetic sport across the globe.

"In partnership with Formula 1, the teams delivered impeccable coverage to our customers of possibly the most dramatic climax we have witnessed, both during the race as Verstappen eclipsed Hamilton in that final lap as well as the hours and days that followed. It was a sporting event that captivated the world."

The race beat the BBC's coverage of the Tokyo Olympics and ITV's production of both the European Football Championships' final and the Grand National to claim the BAFTA.

The BAFTA for Sport goes to The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix #VirginMediaBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/I2L67iJago

— BAFTA (@BAFTA) May 8, 2022

Related

Latest F1 News

Norris reveals MAJOR change in unseen Abu Dhabi footage

• January 5, 2025 14:58

F1 News & Gossip

Verstappen delivers SHOCK Abu Dhabi 2021 admission after Hamilton controversy

• December 31, 2024 19:57