Unforgettable F1 Finale Controversies
F1 has always been a sport of high stakes and intense rivalries, but not all championship showdowns have gone smoothly. From on-track clashes to questionable decisions by race control, some of the most dramatic moments in Formula 1 history have left fans and drivers alike questioning what really happened.
6. 1964 Mexican GP – Hill vs Bandini
Where: Mexico City
Who: Graham Hill and Lorenzo Bandini
Champion: John Surtees
This race remains one of the most debated in F1 history. Three drivers were in contention for the 1964 title: BRM’s Graham Hill, Ferrari’s John Surtees, and Lotus’s Jim Clark. Surtees faced issues with his V8 engine during practice and early in the race, while Clark took an early lead. Once his car was up to temperature, Surtees began to catch up, eventually battling with his teammate Lorenzo Bandini and Hill. A collision between Bandini and Hill knocked the BRM out of the race, though Hill finished 11th.
Surtees claimed he saw the potential for a collision, but who was truly at fault remains unclear. Clark was leading the race when an oil line broke, allowing Dan Gurney to take the lead. Bandini then helped Surtees by moving aside, allowing him to finish second and beat Hill by a single point.
5. 1989 Japanese GP – Prost vs Senna
Where: Suzuka
Who: Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna
Champion: Alain Prost
This race was critical for Senna to remain in the title hunt ahead of the Australian GP. Senna qualified on pole, but Prost started strong, taking the lead. Senna closed in, making a daring move into the chicane, only for Prost to close the door too late. The two cars collided, and Senna continued down the escape road instead of taking the chicane. He later had to pit for a damaged front wing, which allowed Alessandro Nannini to take the lead. However, Senna was excluded for bypassing the chicane, and Prost secured the title.
4. 1994 Australian GP – Schumacher vs Hill
Where: Adelaide
Who: Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill
Champion: Michael Schumacher
The 1994 season was filled with controversy, including Senna’s tragic death and Schumacher’s exclusion from the British GP. In Adelaide, Hill narrowed the gap to just one point. Despite Mansell’s strong start, Schumacher and Hill dominated the race. On the 36th lap, Schumacher hit the wall, and Hill attempted to overtake, causing a collision that forced Hill to retire. Schumacher won the championship, while Mansell claimed victory in his final race with Williams.
3. 1997 European GP – Schumacher vs Villeneuve
Where: Jerez
Who: Michael Schumacher vs Jacques Villeneuve
Champion: Jacques Villeneuve
In this winner-takes-all decider, Schumacher and Villeneuve were locked in a fierce battle. After a controversial qualifying session where all three leaders set the same time, Villeneuve took pole. Schumacher led initially, but on lap 48, Villeneuve made a daring move into the Dry Sack hairpin, causing a collision that sent Schumacher into the gravel. Villeneuve went on to win the race and the championship, while Schumacher was excluded from the title.
2. 2021 Abu Dhabi GP – Hamilton vs Verstappen (and race control)
Where: Yas Marina
Who: Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Champion: Max Verstappen
This race was more about how it was run than the driving itself. With both drivers tied on points, Verstappen needed a win to secure the title. After a safety car period, Verstappen pitted for fresh tires, while Hamilton stayed out. The race restarted with a one-lap shootout, and Verstappen won the title by a narrow margin. The decision by race control to allow only certain cars to pass caused significant controversy, with many questioning the fairness of the outcome.
1. 1990 Japanese GP – Prost vs Senna
Where: Suzuka
Who: Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost
Champion: Ayrton Senna
This race was the penultimate round of the 1990 season, with Prost needing a win to stay in the title fight. Senna was on pole, but Prost managed to get a better start. Senna made a bold move into the first corner, resulting in a collision that sent both cars out of the race. Senna later admitted that his intention was to beat Prost, even if it meant a crash. The result was a Benetton 1-2, with Nelson Piquet and Roberto Moreno winning the race.
Outside F1: Controversial Title Fights
The drama of championship showdowns isn’t limited to F1. In other motorsports, similar controversies have occurred:
1976 BP Formula 3 Championship
Rupert Keegan built a strong lead, but Bruno Giacomelli needed to win the final round to overtake him. During the race, Keegan and Giacomelli collided, leaving Keegan as champion.
1982 RAC Formula Ford 1600 Championship
Julian Bailey needed to finish second to win the title. His rival, Mauricio Gugelmin, punted him off the track, and no action was taken due to lack of evidence.
1996 Formula 3000 Showdown
Kenny Brack and Jorg Muller collided, with Brack continuing the race despite being black-flagged. Muller’s team boss was Helmut Marko, adding to the controversy.
1992 British Touring Car Championship
Tim Harvey won the title after a collision involving Steve Soper and John Cleland, which eliminated both.
1999 German Super Touring Fight
Christian Abt and Uwe Alzen collided in the final lap, with Alzen ultimately winning after a controversial decision to back-date the result.
1987 DTM Final
Michael Schumacher crashed into Johnny Cecotto, allowing Hans Stuck to claim the title.
Electric Motorsport Controversies
Even in Formula E, championship finales have had their share of drama. In 2016, Lucas di Grassi and Sebastien Buemi were tied for the title. Di Grassi collided with Buemi on the opening lap, but Buemi managed to recover and win the race, securing the championship.
