December 12

On December 12, 2021, Max Verstappen clinched his maiden Formula One World Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix held at Yas Marina Circuit. The final lap encounter saw Verstappen overtake Lewis Hamilton after a late safety car deployment. The outcome sparked heated debate over race director decisions and sporting regulations. Verstappen's win ended Hamilton's bid for an unprecedented eighth title and secured Red Bull's first drivers' crown since 2013. The Dutchman made history as the first driver from the Netherlands to claim an F1 world championship, igniting celebrations across his homeland. The controversy surrounding the finish fuelled intense discussions within the motorsport community.

On December 12, 2024, Indian grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju achieved a historic victory by claiming the undisputed World Chess Championship title in Singapore. At just 17 years old, he became the youngest champion in the tournament's history, setting a new age record. Throughout the event, Gukesh showcased exceptional tactical brilliance and endgame mastery against seasoned opponents. His triumph marked a new chapter in chess, highlighting the rise of youthful prodigies on the global stage. The championship featured the world's elite over a rigorous series of matches in both classical and rapid formats. Gukesh's landmark victory has been celebrated worldwide and is expected to inspire a new generation of chess enthusiasts.