MAX VERSTAPPEN has won a heart-stopping, controversial finale to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton was pegged in by a safety car, allowing Verstappen to pit for a new set of tyres, while the Brit could not stop.
That left the pair to race off with one lap to go, and with a fresh set of tyres it was then in Verstappen’s hands to win.
The safety car appears to have pulled the rug from under Hamilton’s feet and is sure to be the biggest controversy in Formula One history.
Hamilton had the chance to change his tyres with 20 laps to go but has gambled on keeping an old set of rubbers to close in on the world tile.
The pair made contact in the first lap after the Brit got an incredible jump on his rival at the start.
But after an investigation stewards have decided not to punish the reigning world champ.
Instead of giving a place back to Verstappen he only had to give back time. Red Bull were convinced he DIDN’T ease up and complained but the stewards were satisfied Hamilton did do so.
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FROM SUNSPORT’S F1 MAN BEN HUNT
Lewis Hamilton claims the outcome of the controversial Abu Dhabi GP was “manipulated”.
Audio footage from the Brit’s car has emerged where the Mercedes man clearly feels Max Verstappen’s victory was orchestrated by meddling stewards.
Hamilton was gracious in defeat in the televised post-race interviews.
However, on the final lap when he was passed by Verstappen, he told his team over the radio “this is getting manipulated, man”.
LEW-DICROUS
Lewis Hamilton was reportedly heard labelling Max Verstappen’s controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix win as ‘manipulated’ in a largely unaired radio message.
According to the Telegraph, Hamilton told his Mercedes team through the radio with four corners left to race: “This has been manipulated, man.”
Although there are now suggestions that Mercedes will decide not to appeal against the outcome of yesterday’s race at Yas Marina, with two protests already being rejected.
The British superstar’s comments were heard through his onboard channel on F1 TV, but not relayed onto the world feed.
The 36-year-old’s words seem to prove his true feelings towards the events that unfolded in Abu Dhabi
CASH CONVERTERS
Mercedes staff are on track for an enormous Christmas bonus despite Lewis Hamilton’s Formula One loss at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Each worker at the team’s HQ and factory will receive at least £10,000 following the controversial season finale.
Max Verstappen dramatically overtook Hamilton on the final lap of the season to claim his first drivers’ championship.
But Mercedes did enough as a team to snatch the constructors’ title from Red Bull’s grasp, meaning a bumper payday
CIRCUIT BREAKER
Williams driver Nicholas Latifi has apologised for his part in the controversial finale to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which saw Max Verstappen beating Lewis Hamilton..
Latifi said: “We were just really struggling for grip through the next sequence of corners, and especially where I ended up going off.
“It’s been a tricky corner all weekend for me, so dirty tyres, dirty air and I made a mistake.
“I wasn’t aware of the situation of the race up until then. Obviously it was never my intention to inadvertently influence that, but I made a mistake and ruined my own race.
“It was never my intention and I can only apologise for influencing and creating an opportunity.
“But again, I made a mistake”
MICH TAKER
Michael Masi is fighting to keep his job after his monumental cock-up in the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Race Director Masi was accused of bending the rules for TV as Max Verstappen clinched the world crown in controversial circumstances.
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team have stated they intend to appeal against the Dutchman’s F1 triumph
GETTY IMAGES
TRY AGAIN
Mercedes are set to appeal against Formula One bosses’ decision to reject their protests over the result of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the title by Red Bull champion Max Verstappen following a controversial safety car decision on the final lap of the season.
Hamilton had been leading for most of the race before Nicholas Latifi’s clash five laps from the end saw the safety car deployed.
Race director Michael Masi initially said ‘any lapped cars will not be allowed to overtake’ while the safety car was out.
At that point Verstappen and Hamilton were separated by five backmarkers who the Dutchman would have had to weave through before challenging for the lead.
But on the penultimate lap, Masi changed his mind and allowed just those five cars to unlap themselves to put Verstappen right behind Hamilton.
The decision gave the Red Bull man clear air from which to attack his British rival and he soon flew past him on a fresher set of tyres
DRINK UP
Williams driver Nicholas Latifi has been promised an endless supply of Red Bull by team principal Christian Horner after his crash led to Max Verstappen winning the Formula One World Championship.
Horner told Channel 4: “He’ll be getting a lifetime supply of Red Bull for sure.”
The Red Bull chief then told Sky Sports: “We needed something from the racing gods in the last ten laps.
“Thank you Nicholas Latifi for that safety car. I have to say with the stewards… they did great to get the race going again.
“We were screaming at him [F1 race director Michael Masi] ‘let them race’.
“It has been an insane competition and for Max to win the world championship – it is not just about here.
“I have to say all credit to Lewis, he has been a phenomenal opponent all year, he is a great champion and that is what makes it even more valid to win this”
SPICE REACTION
Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell praised Red Bull’s team after Max Verstappen’s Formula One triumph, especially the star driver, Sergio Perez and her husband Christian Horner.
Halliwell said: “I am just really proud of him, I’m proud of the whole team, [and] Max.
“I mean, it is testimony to what a great team they are. Great strategy, Max is brilliant, Sergio Perez was amazing.
“And of course I think they have got the best Team Principal”
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE
Red Bull chief Christian Horner hugged wife and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell as the duo celebrated Max Verstappen’s controversial world title triumph in Formula One.
Geri shared a hug with husband Christian as the pair took a selfie together to celebrate Verstappen’s win.
The loved up couple have been together since 2014, marrying a year later and having their first child, Montague, in January 2017.
The duo thought that hope was lost, when Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton led their man with just six laps remaining in Abu Dhabi.
But after Nicholas Latifi’s crash and an extremely contentious call by the FIA, the Dutchman was able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat
Credit: instagram
BROTHERLY LOVE
Lewis Hamilton’s brother Nicolas has labelled his brother as the ‘true champion’ and slammed the FIA as a ‘disgrace to the sport’.
He posted on Instagram: “THE TRUE CHAMPION!
“The FIA broke their own rules, which is a disgrace to our whole sport. Nevertheless, regardless of being mistreated today, the Hamilton’s were humble in defeat.
“My farther, the guy who raised us, congratulating Max & his father Jos.
“People can say what they like, but my Father’s gesture proves all of the doubters & haters wrong & shows who we are as ‘The Hamilton’s’
HAMILTON’S DAD IS A GOOD LEW-SER
Lewis Hamilton’s father Anthony was not bitter in defeat as he graciously congratulated Max Verstappen for beating his son to the F1 world title.
Anthony was seen sharing a handshake with Verstappen and a hug with his father Jos after a dramatic Saudi Arabian GP.
Verstappen took the chequered flag after it looked for much of the race that Hamilton was cruising to a record eighth world title.
The Dutchman landed the world title after most unimaginable drama unfolded.
Anthony though made sure to congratulate the Verstappen family in the immediate aftermath of the race, remaining truly gracious in defeat.
That was BEFORE news broke that Mercedes were appealing the race result on two counts.
A late safety car as a result Nicholas Latifi’s smash five laps from the end was the catalyst for an incredible sequence of events.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff fumed at race director Michael Masi who initially said ‘any lapped cars will not be allowed to overtake’ while the safety car was out.
TITLE TRIUMPH SPICED UP TO THE MAX
Geri Horner shared a snap with new F1 world champion Max Verstappen and said congrats to her husband in Abu Dhabi.
The Spice Girl was trackside at Yas Marina Circuit to witness one of the most dramatic season finales imaginable.
Red Bull superstar Verstappen controversially pipped Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton on the last lap to clinch his first drivers’ title.
Team boss Christian Horner – married to Geri – joined the flying Dutchman in wild champagne celebrations on the podium.
And Ginger Spice posted a selfie with Verstappen on her Instagram account, captioning it simply: “Congratulations.”
She then tagged Verstappen and her hubby Christian before adding the hashtag #nevergiveup.
That was a motto for Verstappen to live by in Abu Dhabi after Hamilton overtook him for the lead off the line.
The Brit was ahead for most of the race until a late – and controversial – safety car deployment.
LANDO BAFFLED BY FIA RACE ORDER
Baffled Lando Norris hit out at Lewis Hamilton lost his F1 crown to Max Verstappen after a controversial restart.
Brit Norris said: “At first we weren’t allowed to overtake, as the backmarkers, so if that influenced decisions to Mercedes and to Lewis and that’s the reason they didn’t do their pit-stop.
“But then the FIA suddenly changed their minds and they were allowed to let us past. That’s where I’m not so sure. For it to end like that, I’m not so sure.”
RUSSELL BLASTS ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ WAY MAX WON CROWN
George Russell, who is due to be Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate next season, was furious with how Max Verstappen won the title after F1 chiefs set up a final-lap shootout.
The 23-year-old Brit tweeted: “THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!
“Max is an absolutely fantastic driver who has had an incredible season and I have nothing but huge respect for him, but what just happened is absolutely unacceptable.
“I cannot believe what we’ve just seen.”
SPURS’ FANS MAX ANGER
Tottenham fans have been left unimpressed after the club’s social media account congratulated Max Verstappen for winning the F1 world title.
Verstappen scooped the championship in hugely controversial circumstances, overtaking Lewis Hamilton with one lap left to race in Abu Dhabi
Mercedes launched protests on two accounts after Hamilton was pipped to an eighth world title in the final seconds.
They were both rejected by stewards though, meaning Verstappen is confirmed as world champion.
Spurs ere quick to pass on their congratulations to the Dutchman immediately after the race, tweeting a picture of the 24-year-old star holding up a shirt sporting the name of his countryman, Steven Bergwijn.
They wrote: “Congratulations, @Max33Verstappen!”
But fans weren’t convinced by the post, with some hilarious tongue-in-cheek responses, as well as some disgruntled disgruntled supporters.
One wrote: “We’re so s*** at football that this is what we resort to? Nice one admin.”
MERCEDES TO APPEAL HIGHER
Mercedes are set to appeal against F1 bosses’ decision to REJECT their protests over the result of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Merc star Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the title by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen following a controversial safety car decision on the final lap of the season.
Race director Michael Masi allowed some – but not all – lapped cars to pass the safety car before signalling racing could resume.
Verstappen originally had five cars between him and leader Hamilton before the call to let them pass.
The decision gave the Dutchman clear air from which to attack his British rival and he soon flew past him on a fresher set of tyres.
Fuming Merc chiefs then fought a four-hour battle to have the result overturned following the chequered flag at Yas Marina Circuit.
Their appeal was finally rejected late on Sunday night – but they have now signalled their intention to mount a further legal challenge.
As announced on Sky Sports News, Merc said they would put their case to the FIA court of appeal.
The team have 96 hours to make their submission – if that fails the next step would be to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.
HORNER ‘DISAPPIONTED’ MAX WIN WENT O APPEAL
Max Verstappen was crowned F1 champion in one of the most controversial ends to a sporting event, writes BEN HUNT.
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team were left furious and accused race bosses of bending the rules, resulting in a dramatic one-lap shootout between Hamilton and Verstappen for the title.
Merc’s chiefs fought a four-hour battle to have the decision overturned before it was finally rejected late last night – however, they are expected to mount a further legal challenge.
After Merc’s protest was rejected Verstappen said: “I am very relieved. It’s been a very stressful day.”
Red Bull boss Christian Horner added: “I am disappointed we had to go through that. Max is the world champion, he’s the deserving world champion, nobody can take that from him
F1 TWEET TO HAIL MAX
Four hours after tweeting to hail Max Verstappen as world champ, F1 have done the same again.
The first time was for the Red Bull driver’s win on the track – the second time to mark his success off it – following Mercedes’ appeals.
KISS OF BLISS FOR HORNER
Red Bull chief Christian Horner’s wife Geri gave him a passionate kiss when Max Verstappen’s title triumph finally became official.
Red Bull had to wait four hours before Mercedes’ two appeals over Verstappen’s last-lap Abu Dhabi GP win were dismissed by FIA chiefs.
MAX: MY ‘STRESSFUL’ DAY ENDS IN GLORY
New F1 champ Max Verstappen admitted waiting for FIA chiefs to confirm his first world title had heaped up his stress levels.
The Dutchman told Sky Sports: “[It’s been] a very stressful day.
And how will the Red Bull ace celebrate? Have a tiny drink.”
RECAP ON VERSTAPPEN CROWN
Max Verstappen has been CONFIRMED as F1 world champion after Mercedes’ protests against the Dutchman have been unsuccessful.
The 24-year-old overtook Hamilton with a lap left in Abu Dhabi to win the title, but was left sweating after Mercedes lodged protests on two accounts against him.
Images emerged of the Red Bull driver seemingly overtaking Hamilton BEFORE the safety car had left the track.
That was the first protest to be dismissed by stewards, with a statement reading: “Although (VER) did, for a very short period of time, move slightly in front of (HAM), when both were accelerating and braking, moved back behind and not in front when safety car period ended.”
Merc boss Toto Wolff was also left fuming that lapped cars were allowed to pass Hamilton, meaning Verstappen could use his fresh tyres on clear asphalt to close in on the Brit.
With a lap left Verstappen used his newer rubber to pull in front of the Hamilton, taking the chequered flag, and therefore the world title with it.
But a protest on that matter was also in vain, with Verstappen now CONFIRMED as world champ.
After an anxious wait both protests have been rejected, and Verstappen can breathe a sigh of relief.
THE MOMENT THEY HEARD…
Here’s Red Bull chief Christian Horner after hearing the FIA had backed Max Verstappen’s title glory in winning the Abu Dhabi GP.
Credit: Getty
WILL MERCEDES TAKE THIS FURTHER AFTER LOSING CROWN?
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team understandably looked forlorn as they exited after losing BOTH appeals against race decisions in Max Verstappen’s title win.
But Mercedes could yet decide to take the verdict to sport’s international arbitrators.
VERSTAPPEN RELIEF AS FIA CHIEFS BACK HIS F1 CROWN
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen burst into a broad grin on hearing the news his title triumph has been confirmed.
MAX CONFIRMED AS CHAMP
Red Bull say the race stewards have confirmed Max Verstappen as world champ.
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