Must-know F1 Races: Title Fights and Accidents
- therookiereporters
- Dec 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Every new Formula One fan needs to know the basics, starting off with the races that shaped F1 as we know it. These are the must-know F1 races that were unexpected championship deciders.
Abu Dhabi 2021
For the majority of the race, Hamilton was pretty much guaranteed an eighth WDC title, but during the very last lap, Verstappen swooped in, taking home his first. This marked the unexpected end of an era.
After a smooth start from Hamilton, his only concern was creating a gap between the two drivers. This all changed after Nicholas Latifi spun in dirty air behind Mick Schumacher with five laps remaining. During the safety car period, the gap between the front runners closed, with a controversial call meaning lapped cars between them were allowed to unlap themselves and join the back of the grid. Verstappen, with fresher tyres, used this opportunity to its full extent. After a quick overtake once green flag conditions resumed, Hamilton, without DRS, couldn't keep up and Verstappen won the title fight
An absolutely iconic and controversial race which will be talked about for decades!
Canada 2011
14 years ago, at the infamous Canadian Grand Prix, there were a total of six safety car appearances, extending the length of the Grand Prix to a whopping four hours, four minutes and 39 seconds. To this day, this is the longest grand prix in history.
David Treymane made a statement about the race in Jenson Button's book “Beyond the Grid,” saying, “It had everything, didn’t it? The number of people who messed up and lost their front wings… It was just amazing. It’s certainly one of the most dramatic races I’ve ever seen. I mean, there was just so much changing in this one, and so much good driving. I think that kind of race will always be one of the all-time most exciting.”
Brazil 2012
This race has been dubbed F1’s “Most dramatic race.”
Writing in his post-race column, Sky F1's Martin Brundle declared: "The first 20 laps of the race were the most exciting I have ever had the privilege to commentate on." Vettel had a quicker car, a 13-point lead and a better grid position. He only needed to finish fourth to win the title fight between him and Alonso. His odds were looking good. However, a mixture of light rain before the race and slick tyres had Vettel facing the wrong way at turn 4 and a hole in the side of his Red Bull. Before he knew it, he was last on the grid and Alonso was in a championship-winning 3rd place.
"To be perfectly honest, after the first lap I thought 'it's probably all over'," admitted Red Bull's Adrian Newey after the race. "I was pretty surprised to see the car going."
The Red Bull driver fought his way through and with Alonso in second place, he needed to be in the top eight. With ten laps to go, he was in seventh, but then rose to the security of sixth when Schumacher, featuring in the final GP of his second career, chose not to put up a fight and let the Red Bull through.
Vettel claimed his third consecutive title.
These are only a few examples of historical F1 races that changed the world of motorsport and will always be remembered. Naturally, to combine every single iconic Grand Prix would be nearly impossible. Almost every race is electric, important and interesting. Truly a memorable sport!
Article written by Mia Pitzer
