Two drivers tied before the last Grand Prix: a first since 1974

We are there. After an intense season full of countless twists and turns, here we are just a few days away from the last Grand Prix of the season with an equal number of points between the two contenders for the ultimate title. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will arrive in Abu Dhabi with 369.5 points each. This situation has a precedent in the history of Formula 1.

In 1974, two drivers arrive at the final Grand Prix with 52 points each: Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi and Swiss Clay Regazzoni. The first races for McLaren and the second for Ferrari. 14 Grand Prix races have taken place before the final, which is held at the Watkins Glen circuit in the United States. Fittipaldi has already won three races compared to only one for his rival. This is the first confrontation between McLaren and Ferrari for the world championship title. Like in 2021, the equation is simple: whoever finishes ahead of their rival will be crowned champion. Moreover, three drivers can still be crowned since with 45 points, Jody Scheckter on Tyrrell still has a chance.

McLaren can rely on a reliable car while Ferrari seems to have an advantage in terms of performance. One week before the race, Regazzoni injured his ankle during private tests held at Watkins Glen. The Swiss driver is nevertheless declared fit for the Grand Prix even though he is approaching it weakened.

After difficult qualifications for the two leading teams of this championship, Fittipaldi starts only eighth just ahead of Regazzoni. The race turns into a nightmare for the Swiss driver. Suspension problems, poorly adjusted anti-roll bar, issues with his tires… the Ferrari driver quickly realizes that the title is slipping away from him and will finish 11th with no points. His Brazilian rival leads a strong race and crosses the line in 4th position, allowing him to secure his second world champion title and McLaren to be crowned for the first time in its history. The third man, Jody Scheckter, had to retire due to an oil line failure. This Grand Prix is won by the Argentine Carlos Reutemann on Brabham ahead of his Brazilian teammate Carlos Pace. Unfortunately, this race is mainly marked by the death of the Austrian driver Helmut Koinigg, who was only competing in his third F1 Grand Prix.

What does the last Grand Prix of this 2021 season hold for us? A Senna-Prost remake from 1989/1990 with clashes and controversies? A double celebration in the Mercedes and Red Bull garages like at Interlagos 2008? After 21 races, no one knows. Place your bets and above all see you on Friday to follow with us this fabulous Formula 1 weekend ahead!