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      ‘My world champ’ – Max Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet hugs F1 star at Red Bull afterparty following historic win

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN’S stunning girlfriend Kelly Piquet labelled her man ‘my world champ’ after his controversial victory over Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi.Kelly cuddled her man at the Red Bull afterparty, after Mercedes’ appeals were rejected by the FIA.
      Kelly poses with her ‘world champion’ Max VerstappenCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquet
      The duo celebrate the Dutchman’s successCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquet
      She had been in tears as she watched Verstappen steal glory in the final lap of a gruelling season.
      But she looked relaxed and happy once more as she hugged her man for selfies as the duo partied into the night.
      The Brazilian shared another quartet of pictures of herself embracing Verstappen immediately after the race.
      And the release of stress and tension was clear on their faces.
      Verstappen, 24, had trailed Hamilton for the vast majority of the race despite starting on pole.
      The Brit had led by 11 seconds going into the final six laps, before Nicholas Latifi’s crash put a spanner in the works.
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      Following a number of laps behind the safety car, Verstappen found himself allowed to overtake lapped competitors – leaving Hamilton at the mercy of his Red Bull, kitted out with fresh tyres.
      Kelly will have appreciated Max’s win even more, as the daughter of driving royalty.
      Her father Nelson Piquet won three F1 world championships between 1981 and 1987.
      She previously dated Russian driver Daniil Kvyat, with the pair having a baby daughter together in July 2019.
      After splitting with Kvyat, Kelly, 33, began dating Verstappen in October last year.
      The new world champ also posed for a selfie with former Spice Girl Geri Horner.
      Although fans were left baffled as to why Geri was interviewed by Sky Sports.
      Geri’s hubby Christian, however, was happy to drink in his team’s success – even promising hapless Latifi a lifetime’s supply of Red Bull after his gaffe gifted Verstappen a lifeline.
      Verstappen and Kelly pose with the trophyCredit: Getty
      The duo embrace as Max is crowned world championCredit: PA
      Max and Kelly kiss after the raceCredit: Getty More

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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.
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      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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      Spice Girl Geri Horner shares photo alongside new F1 world champ Max Verstappen and congratulates Red Bull chief husband

      by

      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.
      Spice Girl Geri Horner posted a snap with Max Verstappen on her Instagram account
      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.
      @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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      Five lapped cars separated Hamilton up front from Verstappen in second while racing was suspended behind the safety car.
      Race director Michael Masi had initially indicated no cars would be allowed to unlap themselves behind the safety car, meaning Verstappen would have been forced to navigate through the backmarkers before challenging for the lead.
      But Masi made a last-ditch CHANGE to his decision and sent the five cars separating Hamilton and Verstappen through.
      That gave the Red Bull man clear air through which to attack his rival and he capitalised on fresher tyres to breeze past him on the final lap.
      Fuming Merc chiefs immediately appealed but saw their complaints rejected at the circuit.
      The team vowed to refer the decision up to the FIA’s appeals court as Verstappen and Red Bull got their delayed celebrations underway.
      Sky Sports viewers left bemused after deciding to interview Geri Horner just moments after greatest F1 More

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      Sky Sports viewers left bemused by decision to interview Geri Horner just moments after greatest F1 finish ever

      by

      A BEAMING Geri Horner gave a proud speech on behalf of husband Christian and his Red Bull team.Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner, 48, was celebrating Max Verstappen’s title winning race in Abu Dhabi.
      Spice Girl Geri Horner was interviewed by Sky Sports moments after the race finished
      Red Bull Team Principal Christian, 48, and wife Geri, 49, were celebrating Max Verstappen’s title winning race in Abu Dhabi
      And Geri, 49, was asked how the race was from her perspective.
      The Spice Girl told Sky Sports: “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.”
      The Horners then embraced as Christian pulled Geri towards him.
      Geri was then asked how tough the year had been for Christian.
      @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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      She responded: “Well, forgive me for being this honest, but I have to say, Christian told me this has been the toughest year he has ever experienced.
      “But, they are such a good team who pull together.”
      On Twitter fans laughed at the timing, after one of the most controversial and exciting endings to an F1 season.
      Clocky DMac wrote: “Poor Jenson Button having to endure an interview with the massively cringey Christian & Geri Horner.”
      North Villan quipped: “The biggest scandal in F1 history today. Sky said that Geri Horner was a singer/songwriter.”
      But Geri also has her fans. Dingers and Frogs said: “Absolutely unfair bringing Geri in for the interview when I’m trying to hate Christian Horner.” More

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      Touching moment Lewis Hamilton’s dad Anthony congratulates Max Verstappen after Dutch star pips son to disputed F1 title

      by

      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.

      Lewis Hamilton himself congratulated Max Verstappen after he was beaten to the F1 titleCredit: Splash
      Hamilton lost out on a record eighth world title in heartbreaking fashionCredit: Getty
      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.
      @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);}
      But on the penultimate lap, Masi CHANGED his mind and allowed five cars between Verstappen and Hamilton to unlap themselves.
      That put the Dutchman right behind the Brit, and with one lap left to race he used fresher tyres to his advantage to take the race lead.
      Wolff’s appeal was rejected though, as was his protest that Verstappen overtook Hamilton before the safety car had left the track.
      It meant Verstappen and Red Bull could finally celebrate a four-hour battle to have the result changed – although the drama is still far from over.
      Mercedes are set to appeal against F1 bosses’ decision to reject their protests, with the saga set to rumble on. More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s brother Nicolas blasts FIA as a ‘disgrace to the sport’ after Verstappen handed controversial F1 title

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON’S brother Nicolas has labelled his brother as the ‘true champion’ and SLAMMED the FIA as a ‘disgrace to the sport’ in an Instagram post. Hamilton was pipped to the F1 title with one lap to go in hugely controversial circumstances by Max Verstappen.
      Nicolas Hamilton blasted the FIA after Lewis Hamilton missed out on the F1 world titleCredit: Instagram @nicolashamilton
      Hamilton lost out in heartbreaking fashion to Red Bull rival Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      Taking to Instagram after the Saudi Arabia GP, Nicholas posted a picture of his brother with the words ‘An unforgettable season’ underneath.
      He also praised the actions of his father for congratulating Verstappen, despite the heartbreak for the Hamilton family.
      Nicolas captioned the post: “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’.
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      “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.”
      With a late safety car called onto the track race stewards reversed their decision not to let lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen pass the Brit.
      Initially, race director Michael 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.
      And Verstappen grabbed his opportunity by the scruff of the neck, swooping past Hamilton to claim a maiden title.
      Mercedes appealed against the decision, but lost their claim after four-and-a-half hour battle to have the decision overturned.
      Team principal Toto Wolff also appealed after Verstappen seemed to overtaken Hamilton BEFORE the safety car had left the track.
      Those cries were also rejected by the FIA.
      It meant Verstappen and Red Bull could finally celebrate – although the drama is still far from over.
      Mercedes are set to appeal against F1 bosses’ decision to reject their protests, with the saga set to rumble on. More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton’s defeat to Max Verstappen will only make his chase for an eighth F1 world title even more compelling

      by

      FIRST of all, a few words of ­consolation and perspective for British motorsport fans. If and when Lewis Hamilton does win a record eighth world title, it will feel all the sweeter for this epic defeat.
      Lewis Hamilton was gracious in defeat in the immediate aftermath of the raceCredit: Getty
      Max Verstappen was officially confirmed as world champion after Mercedes’ protests were dismissedCredit: Getty
      His rivalry with Max Verstappen — which had already ­resurrected interest in Formula One with huge swathes of non-believers — will only intensify after the drama and controversy in Abu Dhabi yesterday.
      Those new devotees, or the many lapsed F1 fans lost to the sport during years of grinding predictability, will be glued to the action when Hamilton, 36, bids to regain his crown next season.
      Oh, and at least Ginger Spice got what she wanted — what she really, really wanted.
      Geri Halliwell, wife of Red Bull’s British team principal Christian Horner, may not have been wearing her Union Jack mini-dress, as she was rooting for the young Dutch tearaway Verstappen.
      But F1 needed Horner and his team to strike a blow against the dominance of Mercedes and Hamilton.
      They did that from the second race of the season, when Verstappen, 24, won in Italy, until the ridiculous mayhem of the very last lap of the winner-takes-all contest.
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      Hamilton won’t see it that way. At least not unless and until he wins that record title No 8.
      But his reputation, as a driver and a man, has probably been enhanced more this season than in any of his seven title-winning years.
      Great sport thrives on great rivalry and Hamilton-Verstappen is threatening to become a truly outstanding one – all it needs now is longevity.
      When Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher with his seventh title last year, I argued that, if we were to decide the argument logically, then he simply has to be regarded as the greatest British sportsman of all time.
      No other competitor from these islands could genuinely claim to be the greatest of all time in a major sport.
      The counter-argument, generally from those with little interest in F1, was that the superiority of Hamilton’s car made his dominance almost inevitable and reduced worldwide interest.
      That’s why Verstappen’s victory, in the long run, may only add to the might of Hamilton’s legacy.
      He was already the first black driver to compete in his elitist sport, which in itself made him hugely significant.
      Verstappen celebrating victory in Abu Dhabi with his Red Bull teamCredit: Getty
      In his early days, though, it was easy to regard him as cold, robotic and part of a corporate machine.
      But over the past couple of years, in particular, Hamilton has found an authentic and powerful voice on wider social issues — on racial equality, human rights and environmentalism.
      This has seen him speak out, time and again, against old-school attitudes and vested interests within his sport.
      Those who prefer to ignore such issues will sneeringly refer to him as ‘woke’.
      Those who do care, regard him as bold and significant.
      Already knighted by the establishment, Hamilton is now respected by the anti-establishment too. Next, then, to that eighth crown.
      Hamilton turns 37 next month and still has two years left on his Mercedes contract.
      Losing and then regaining a title so often earns many more plaudits than winning remorselessly.
      Next season, with new rules, the level of competition is likely to intensify.
      As thrilling as this two-horse race has been, competition promises to be wider.
      And Hamilton can also use a genuine sense of injustice to fuel him due to the manner of Verstappen’s victory.
      Of course, Red Bull needed a miracle in Abu Dhabi, as Horner himself admitted ten laps out from the chequered flag.
      They got just that when back-marker Nicholas Latifi crashed out just in time for the safety car to come and go and for a final-lap tear-up.
      Verstappen popped the champagne bottles after an anxious wait as stewards investigated Mercedes’ protestsCredit: Getty
      Yet fortune did favour the brave. Red Bull gambled on a second and third pit stop. Verstappen overtook Hamilton early on that last lap.
      And as race director Michael Masi put it when challenged by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on his apparent ripping up of the rulebook: “Toto, it’s called a motor race, OK . . . we went to car racing.”
      It was a nice line from Masi — one which played to the sporting instincts of a worldwide audience.
      Nobody wants a major sporting event settled by rules-is-rules jobsworths.
      But was it fair? A final lap between one on fresh tyres and another needing an urgent appointment with a KwikFit fitter was hardly an even contest.
      Yet had the season finished with Hamilton winning behind a safety car, many might not have felt so compelled to tune in next season.
      There had been controversy on the opening lap too — Verstappen feeling hard done-by on that occasion, Horner vowing not to get mad but get even.
      Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez held up the Brit with some excellent defensive racing when the Mexican briefly held the lead before pitting.
      Then, as Hamilton led for the majority of the race, he sounded increasingly jittery and nervous on the team radio.
      It was the ultra-professionalism of an experienced driver, whose mind was racing as rapidly as his car, going through every potential eventuality — until Latifi crashed and Masi made his call and all of his fears felt justified.
      Now the Brit must use all of that professionalism and experience to seize back his crown.
      And the size of the audience, as well as the depth of the adulation, will be far greater if he wins an eighth title. More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes give notice of intention to appeal after protest over Max Verstappen’s F1 title win thrown out

      by

      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.
      Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen embraced in parc ferme – but Mercedes are set to appeal the Dutchman’s world titleCredit: Getty
      Hamilton had been leading for most of the race before Nicholas Latifi’s smash 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.
      Fuming Merc chiefs then fought a four-hour battle to have the result overturned following the chequered flag at Yas Marina Circuit.
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      Mercedes’ protest was based on two regulations: Article 48.12 and Article 48.8 of the F1 Sporting Regulations.
      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, the team said they would put their case to the FIA court of appeal.
      Merc 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. More