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      Max Verstappen KEEPS F1 world title as Mercedes lose appeals against Abu Dhabi GP in heartache for Lewis Hamilton

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN was crowned F1 champion in one of the most controversial ends to a sporting event. 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.
      Max Verstappen was finally CONFIRMED as world champion four-and-a-half hours after the race finishedCredit: Getty
      Verstappen and Red Bull celebrate after protests by Mercedes were rejectedCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton embraces rival Max Verstappen after the raceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Brit had been chasing a record 8th world titleCredit: Getty
      Merc’s chiefs fought a four-and-a-half hour battle to have the decision overturned before it was finally rejected late on Sunday night – however, the German team are expected to mount a further legal challenge.
      After Mercedes’ 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.”
      Merc boss Toto Wolff raged at race director Michael Masi, who was subjected to an investigation over his handling of the Abu Dhabi GP.
      Masi, the equivalent of a referee, has been dogged by question marks over his handling of flashpoints over the season – but none more so than here at the final race.
      It was supposed to be the best finale the sport has ever known, Verstappen coming of age against the seven-time champion.
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      A seminal moment to witness the ending of an era and the start of a new reign for the Dutchman.
      F1 has made a habit of shooting itself in the foot but this time they used a rocket launcher for good measure.
      After the pathetic show at the Belgian GP this year, where a handful of laps were run behind a safety car to satisfy lucrative TV contracts, this was a new low.
      It shows that despite having the best battle in years, the sport has been overregulated by a rule book that the FIA don’t themselves understand.
      Having led for the majority of the race – and with a huge gap in front – Nicholas Latifi’s smash five laps from the end saw Masi deploy the safety car while the broken Williams was recovered.
      Initially, Masi said that ‘any lapped cars will not be allowed to overtake’ – which meant Verstappen would be trapped behind five backmarkers before he could get a run on Hamilton.
      However, on the penultimate lap, Masi CHANGED his mind allowing just the five cars to unlap themselves to put Verstappen right behind Hamilton.
      The Dutchman popped open the bottles of bubbly after the official confirmationCredit: Getty
      Verstappen celebrating with his entire Red Bull teamCredit: Getty
      It left Hamilton a sitting duck on old tyres as Verstappen swooped past on the final lap to take his first world title.
      Mercedes’ protest was based on two regulations: Article 48.12 and Article 48.8 of the F1 Sporting Regulations.
      The first was rejected after three hours when Verstappen was cleared of overtaking behind the safety car.
      And the second was rejected as Red Bull argued that the rules say “any” cars rather than “all cars” while Masi was also cleared of any breaches.
      As the Red Bull team celebrated with Queen’s “We are the Champions playing from their garage”, Hamilton trudged out of the paddock.
      The manner in which this title was decided will wrangle with Mercedes, while F1 drivers were also scathing over how it was handled.
      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was not impressed with the outcome – and the team have appealedCredit: Sky Sports
      FIA race director Michael Masi has come in for huge criticismCredit: Getty
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner was delightedCredit: Getty
      George Russell, who will be Hamilton’s team-mate next season, 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.”
      Former F1 world champions were also critical of the FIA’s handling of the final few laps.
      Damon Hill, who won the title 1996, added: “This is like running a motor race in a way we’ve not been used to in the past.
      “They’ve kept us guessing all the time as to which way a decision is going to go. One team who is not going to be complaining about what happened is Red Bull.”
      Nico Rosberg, the last man to beat Hamilton to the title in 2016, said: “First they said you’re not allowed to unlap themselves, then they changed that once they saw it was safe to do so.
      “The thing is that in the document it says ‘all cars will be required to unlap themselves’ and yet they only let those five cars that were between Lewis and Verstappen unlap themselves.”
      Nicholas Lafiti’s crash saw the safety car deployed and gave Verstappen the chance to cut the leadCredit: Sky Sports
      Lando Norris, who was right in the mix and one of the five cars ordered to get out of the way, says he was equally baffled when the instruction came.
      He 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.”
      Hamilton’s brother Anthony also blasted the FIA on social media.
      He wrote on Instagram: “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 father, 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’.
      “Proving people wrong is in our DNA, which Lewis does on a daily basis.
      “With utter professionalism & decency in defeat, even though we all know, that he was let down by the sport that he has given so much to.
      “Congratulations to Max for such a fantastic season from him.”
      Verstappen finally overtook Hamilton on the final lap of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Hamilton’s dad Anthony gave his son a cuddle at the end of the raceCredit: PA
      Verstappen posing with his first F1 world crownCredit: Getty More

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      F1 legend Kimi Raikkonen’s 20-year career ends in disappointment in Abu Dhabi with lap 27 retirement

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      KIMI RAIKKONEN suffered heartbreak in his final F1 race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 2007 world champion was forced to retire from the nail-biting race after clipping the barriers following a brake failure. 
      Former world champ Kimi Raikkonen called time on his brilliant 20-year F1 careerCredit: EPA
      He was forced to retire after hitting the barriers on lap 27 at the Abu Dhabi GPCredit: Rex
      The Finn skidded off the track and into the barriers but he was able to nurse his Alfa Romeo back to the pits before taking his gloves and race helmet off on lap 27.
      Raikkonen, 42, spent 20 years in F1 and walked away from the sport with a world title, 21 race wins and 103 podiums.
      He posted a simple farewell message on his Instagram account following the finale at Yas Marina Circuit.
      The caption read simply: “Goodbye Formula 1.”
      Prior to the race, Raikkonen confessed he could not wait for the season to be over, so he could focus on life after F1.
      He said: “I’m looking forward to getting the season done. It’s nice that it comes to an end and I’m looking forward to the normal life after. 
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      Credit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      “I think for sure my wife will be more emotional about it. I doubt that the kids will really care either way, I think they will find other things to do that are more interesting. 
      “They like coming to a warm country and being in a pool and other things but it’s nice to have them here.”
      The Abu Dhabi race brought with it a thrilling conclusion to the latest F1 season after Max Verstappen pipped Lewis Hamilton on the last lap to claim the title.
      But Hamilton’s Mercedes team immediately launched TWO protests after they claimed Verstappen and Red Bull had been handed an unfair advantage during a controversial safety car decision.
      Max Verstappen SNATCHES F1 world title from Lewis Hamilton on last lap in dramatic and controversial season ender More

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      Heartwarming moment Lewis Hamilton is comforted by dad Anthony after F1 title snatched away from him by Max Verstappen

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      LEWIS HAMILTON was comforted by his father Anthony as his record eighth world title was stolen from his back pocket.Take nothing away from Max Verstappen, this has been an excellent season in which the Dutchman has turned in some stunning performances.
      Lewis Hamilton was consoled by dad Anthony after Max Verstappen won his first world titleCredit: PA
      Lewis Hamilton came agonisingly close to winning a record eighth Formula One World ChampionshipCredit: AFP
      But Hamilton almost pulled off the unthinkable of overturning a 32-point deficit that existed between himself and Verstappen after the Austrian GP.
      He’d wiped out a further 19-points in the three races coming into the Abu Dhabi GP.
      A fourth consecutive win would have been the icing on the cake in a season which, despite not winning the title, was arguably his best.
      Hamilton looked home and hosed here. Surely this would be it. The moment he moved clear of the joint-record he holds with Michael Schuamcher.
      But as we have seen this season, nothing can be taken for granted and as it proved there was yet another twist in the tail as Verstappen took the victory on the final lap.
      Hamilton was deflated. Silent. Spent time with his dad, who held his son’s head in his hands.
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      To his credit, given the fury erupting around him in his Mercedes team, Hamilton was gracious in defeat, albeit on TV –  he pulled his press conference until after the stewards’ hearing as his team tried to get the defeat overturned.
      He said: “Firstly, a big congratulations to Max and to his team. I think we did an amazing job this year, with my team.
      “We gave it everything this last part of the season, we gave it absolutely everything and we never gave up. And that’s the most important thing.
      “I’ve been feeling good… great in the car this past couple of months, particularly at the end.
      “If I’m honest, you know, we’re still in the pandemic and I just really wish everyone to stay safe and have a good Christmas with all their families and then we’ll see about next year.”
      The last part of that sentence will send shudders down the spine at Merc bosses, surely he’s not now having second thoughts about signing that contract which runs until 2023?
      Perhaps it was a heat-of-the-moment comment, for we won’t exactly know for sure until the season starts again in under 100 days time.
      This year Hamilton has put in performances that have captivated and excited.
      Hamilton was quick to congratulate Dutch star Verstappen following the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
      Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the final lap before racing home to victoryCredit: Getty
      His drives in Brazil, where he overcome a total of 25-places worth of grid penalties to win, was the stuff of legend.
      Off track too his decision to support the LGBT+ community by wearing a Pride Flag on his crash helmet in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi should be applauded.
      Let’s remember that in some countries in the Middle East, same sex relationship are illeagal and punishable by death.
      It takes guts to come out and say what you really think, despite the pressure of representing big brands.
      In the UK too he’s financed his own study into the lack of diversity in motorsport and has now funded a project to recruit and train 150 black teachers in the subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths.
      They will work in schools serving disadvantaged communities in England with the view of getting more minorities into the F1 paddock – where he remains the sport’s only black driver.
      Hamilton is using his platform as an F1 driver not only for profit – yes, he has lucrative endorsements – but to also drive change.
      Sure, he gets stick for his fashion, his accent, his decision to live in Monaco, but really there is no other driver, no sportstar quite like Hamilton.

      He splits opinions but, not only is he the best in his current line of work on track, he’s also trying to make a positive change off it.
      As for Verstappen, his first title is subject to some scrutiny from the stewards but he is toasting his success with “only one drink”.
      He added: “It has been an incredible season, not only this race but incredible battles.
      “Coming into the season, I had a feeling we might have a better shot at it, but you never know, so to be sitting here right now, it’s unbelievable.
      “It’s been tense and we’ve been pushing each other to the limit within our cars.”
      Verstappen made his F1 debut in 2015 when he was just 17. He was so young he could not even drive himself to the track as he did not possess a valid driving licence.
      He joined Red Bull’s B-team Toro Rosso before being promoted to Red Bull in 2016 winning his first GP in his debut year for the team.
      Verstappen added: “The first goal was to be in Formula One, then to hope that you can win a race and hear the national anthem.
      Red Bull chief Christian Horner shakes hands with Hamilton following an epic 2021 seasonCredit: Getty
      “But then of course, the ultimate goal was a world championship, which is very hard to achieve. But now that’s happened it’s just insane.”
      Insane, but says having his first world title will not change him. We will see about that.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner repeated that word again, “insane”.
      He added: “It’s been an insane competition, and for Max to win the world championship it’s not just about here, it’s the whole year.
      “Lewis has been a phenomenal opponent all year, he’s a great world champion and that’s what makes it more valid to win this.
      “We were screaming at him [FIA race director Michael Masi] ‘let them race’.
      “That’s what we’ve been talking about all year and this championship came down to the last lap.
      Mercedes have called in the lawyers after Hamilton missed out on his eighth world title
      “I was screaming from Turn Five all the way down the back straight. You just knew Max was not going to give it up.
      “To see him cross the line and become world champion for us after all these years is an amazing feeling. This is right up with our first world championship.
      “The quality of the opponents we’ve had this year, they’ve pushed us so hard and we’ve fought so hard, and then a stroke of good fortune for us and we made it work.” More

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      Red Bull chief Horner was ‘SCREAMING’ at F1 race director before Max Verstappen’s controversial title-winning triumph

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      RED BULL boss Christan Horner was ‘screaming’ at Formula One race director Michael Masi before Max Verstappen’s dramatic title win. Verstappen trailed defending champion Lewis Hamilton for the majority of the dramatic F1 grande finale in Abu Dhabi.
      Red Bull boss Christan Horner was ‘screaming’ at F1 race director Michael Masi as Max Verstappen pipped Lewis Hamilton to the titleCredit: Getty
      But he was handed a sensational chance to win the GP decider when a safety car bunched the racing track together.
      Horner was heard on the team radio pleading with Masi to allow Verstappen a clear run at Hamilton.
      After it was granted, the Red Bull driver overtook Hamilton on the final lap to take the F1 crown.
      Horner told Sky Sports: “We were screaming at him, ‘Let em race’ . That’s what we’ve been talking about all these years – let them race.
      “And this championship came down to the last lap and it was a great strategy call, to make that pit stop, to take that set of softs.
      “And then it was down to Max to make it happen.”
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      Mercedes have protested against the controversial decision to allow the safety car to release the drivers but it was Verstappen lifting the trophy on the day.
      After the race, the Dutchman said: “It’s unbelievable.
      “I tried the whole race and kept fighting then got the opportunity on the last lap.
      “It’s insane – finally a bit of luck for me. I love my team and fans and hope we can do this for 10/15 years together.”
      British star Hamilton was denied a record EIGHTH world title after an incredible season-long battle with his Red Bull rival.
      And Hamilton hinted he may not return next season after the dust settles.
      Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton after the GP finaleCredit: AP More

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      Could THIS F1 rule see Lewis Hamilton crowned champion ahead of Max Verstappen as Mercedes bring in LEGAL team

      by

      MERCEDES have called in their LEGAL team as they protest the result of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.Merc man Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the championship by Red Bull rival Max Verstappen on the final lap of the season.
      Mercedes have called in the lawyers after Lewis Hamilton narrowly missed out on his eighth world titleCredit: Reuters
      Max Verstappen pounced on the final lap at Yas Marina CircuitCredit: Rex
      And he was beaten in controversial circumstances as Formula One stewards issued a contentious safety car call.
      Mercedes are arguing against the race result after claiming officials bungled Article 48.12 of the Sporting Regulations.
      Stewards allowed a handful of lapped cars to overtake the safety car instead of all of them – as the rule seems to call for.
      Verstappen had five lapped cars between him and Hamilton but they were allowed to pass the safety car before it was withdrawn – giving the Dutchman a clear shot at the leader.
      He had earlier pitted for fresher tyres than his Brit rival and capitalised on the fresh rubber to fly into the lead.
      The relevant part of Article 48.12 states: “If the clerk of the course considers it safe to do so, and the message ‘LAPPED CARS MAY NOW OVERTAKE’ has been sent to all Competitors via the official messaging system, any cars that have been lapped by the leader will be required to pass the cars on the lead lap and the safety car.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      “This will only apply to cars that were lapped at the time they crossed the Line at the end of the lap during which they crossed the first Safety Car line for the second time after the safety car was deployed.
      “Unless the clerk of the course considers the presence of the safety car is still necessary, once the last lapped car has passed the leader the safety car will return to the pits at the end of the following lap.”
      Mercedes are also protesting against Article 48.8, which prevents drivers from passing any other car when under safety car conditions.
      An eager Verstappen could be seen narrowly running alongside Hamilton before the final lap got underway. More

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      ‘Finally a bit of luck’ – Max Verstappen relief after beating Lewis Hamilton to F1 title and wants 15 years at top

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN dramatically won the world championship and declared that he got the ‘luck’ he needed. The safety car left Verstappen, 24, and Lewis Hamilton, 36, to race with one lap to go in a crazy finish to the season.
      Max Verstappen wins the 2021 Drivers Championship on the last lap of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Verstappen had fresh tyres and renewed optimism and overtook Hamilton – who had been leading by more than ten seconds before the safety car intervened – on the last lap.
      Mercedes have protested against the controversial decision to allow the safety car to release the drivers but it was Verstappen lifting the trophy on the day.
      After the race, the Dutchman said: “It’s unbelievable.
      “I tried the whole race and kept fighting then got the opportunity on the last lap.
      “It’s insane – finally a bit of luck for me.
      “I love my team and fans and hope we can do this for 10/15 years together.”
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      Verstappen is due to remain at Red Bull until the end of the 2023 season.
      And he won his first world title in a breathtakingly exciting grand prix in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
      The safety car entered the pit lane with one lap remaining – and that freed up Verstappen for one final crack at the leader Hamilton.
      And the young Dutch star grabbed his last-ditch chance to overtake Hamilton on turn five before streaking clear.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner was left in tears and told Verstappen on radio “I’m so proud of you, Max”.
      But British star Hamilton was denied a record EIGHTH world title after an incredible season-long battle with his Red Bull rival.
      And Hamilton hinted he may not return next season after the dust settles. More

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      Is this moment Max Verstappen’s F1 world title win could get OVERTURNED after overtaking Lewis Hamilton with safety car?

      by

      MERCEDES launched a protest to F1 race stewards after Max Verstappen seemed to pass Lewis Hamilton BEFORE the safety car had left the track. Pictures from the season finale at Yas Marina show Verstappen overtaking Hamilton BEFORE the safety car had officially left, although Mercedes have been unsuccessful in their protest against it.
      Verstappen overtaking HamiltonCredit: Sky Sports
      Mercedes have lodged a protest against the resultCredit: Sky Sports
      The pictures show Verstappen in front of the Brit, with the safety car yet to officially finishCredit: Sky Sports
      From an onboard camera on the Dutchman’s car there is clear track in front of him, with Hamilton’s car just about visible to the left of screen.
      So the pictures seem to show Verstappen actually pulling ahead of Hamilton before technically being allowed to do so.
      The shots come prior to the safety car officially coming to an end.
      But a statement from race stewards read: “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.”
      Mercedes launched protests on two counts after the incident, with the saga looking like it could rumble on long into the night.
      They are ‘relating to alleged breaches of Articles 48.8 and 48.12 of the FIA Sporting Regulations’ and involve the apparent overtaking by Vertsappen and the way some lapped cars were allowed to pass Hamilton and others weren’t before the race restarted.
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      Race stewards could have dramatically OVERTURN the result if they find Verstappen to have breached any rules while overtaking.
      But after the protest on the overtake was rejected, the appeal on cars passing Hamilton has also been thrown out by stewards.
      It means Verstappen has been confirmed as world champion.
      Hamilton had seemed destined to secure a record eighth world title until a late safety car allowed Verstappen to overtake the Brit on the last lap of the race.
      He was leading in Abu Dhabi by more than ten seconds before the safety car was called on lap 54 when Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers.
      That allowed Verstappen to hone in on Hamilton, before using his fresher tyres to edge in front of the seven-time world champ right at the death.
      He was able to close the gap after stewards decided to allow lapped cars to pass Hamilton, leaving the Dutchman with clear track in front of him.
      It came after stewards had initially indicated lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen would stay in their formation. More

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      Mercedes launch TWO protests to FIA and get barrister to investigate after Lewis Hamilton loses F1 title on final lap

      by

      MERCEDES are protesting the outcome of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the championship on the final lap of the season.The British superstar was overtaken by title rival Max Verstappen after a controversial safety car decision at Yas Marina Circuit.
      Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the title by Max VerstappenCredit: Reuters
      Hamilton was leading by more than ten seconds before the safety car appeared on lap 54 when Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers.
      Dutch flier Verstappen chased down Hamilton on the final lap having earlier pitted for fresher tyres than the Merc man.
      The safety car entered the pit lane with one lap remaining – and that freed up Verstappen for one final crack at the leader Hamilton.
      But there was controversy surrounding the timing of the safety car’s withdrawal after several lapped cars were allowed past.
      Stewards had initially indicated lapped cars in between Hamilton and Verstappen would stay in their current formation.
      That would have left Verstappen with five cars to get past before reaching Hamilton for a shot at the lead.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      But stewards controversially reversed the call and allowed lapped cars through – giving the Red Bull man clear air behind the leader.
      There is also an appeal over calims Verstappen appeared to overtake Hamilton before the safety car had cleased the track.
      Verstappen then capitalised on his fresher tyres to snatch the lead and leave Hamilton struggling on his older set of rubber.
      Merc boss Toto Wolff could be seen ranting in the paddock and blasted race director Michael Masi over the radio.
      And his team have launched protests on two counts – officially ‘relating to alleged breaches of Articles 48.8 and 48.12 of the FIA Sporting Regulations’.
      Reports even suggest Mercedes have a BARRISTER looking over the incident to help their protest cases.
      Max Verstappen SNATCHES F1 world title from Lewis Hamilton on last lap in dramatic and controversial season ender More