Ten things we learned about F1's 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

F1's world was poised to change this year with the introduction of new regulations and cars. The changes were, however, delayed until 2022, as was the case with many other things during the pandemic. F1 is now stuck in a 12-month hold pattern. Although the 2021 season looked set to be predictable, the truth is that it has been one of the most exciting seasons in recent years.

It's against this backdrop, Codemasters found itself in competition with its own fictional drama. Codemasters introduced a full-fledged story mode for F1 2021, the first time in the series. Although the final result isn't quite as dramatic as the original, it's an excellent new mode of play and joins many other modes in the series. It's also a well-executed package that makes it an excellent package. However, it needs some extra content to make it more comparable to the actual 2021 season.

Braking Point is the story of F1 2021. It focuses on two very different drivers. One, Aiden Jackson (a rookie Brit) who has a lot to learn about F1 and the paddock. The other, Casper Akkerman (a Dutch journeyman with a long career, but he's now mostly retired. Jackson and Akkerman can race for any of five teams, including Williams, Haas Alfa Romeo and Alpha Tauri or Racing Point, which becomes Aston Martin during this story. The fictional drivers will replace the real-life drivers of your chosen team. However, the rest of grid will consist of F1 stars from 2020 and 2021 except for one. Codemasters' F1 reptile Devon Butler will replace another driver from one of four select teams. He was briefly the antagonist at F1 2019, but he is back for a bigger role.

Braking Point sees Jackson move from F2 to F1 in 2020. He clashes immediately with Akkerman, who he lost in an on-track incident. Akkerman's general saltiness about Jackson's preferential treatment is only adding to their discord, much to Brian Doyle's delight (and the delight of Devon Butler).

The legal battle could drag on for months if the case goes to CAS. It could even continue into the next F1 season.

It would be a sad ending to an exciting season, which should have been decided at the track and not by lawyers.

All F1 teams and FIA agree that the CAS can overturn any FIA rulings regarding Formula One incidents – provided the complainants (in this instance Mercedes) have exhausted all dispute resolution mechanisms offered by the FIA – in this case the ICA.

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