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      in Boxing

      Emma Raducanu is nailed on for SPOTY but Lewis Hamilton’s omission from shortlist is a sham

      by

      LISTEN, we all know Emma Raducanu is nailed on for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award — and so she absolutely should be.But after a shortlist (with an emphasis on the ‘short’) which failed to include Britain’s greatest ever sportsman Sir Lewis Hamilton, after arguably his most impressive year, are the Beeb actively trying to sink their own flagship?
      Emma Raducanu poses with the US Open trophy after her stunning victory in New YorkCredit: PA
      Lewis Hamilton missed out on the world title after a dramatic finish in Abu DhabiCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      We can talk until the cows come home about how the SPOTY show is not what it used to be, given the BBC’s dwindling sports portfolio.
      And we can bang on about whether the word ‘personality’ should even be included, when personality has rarely been a factor.
      We can argue that it’s a programme watched by your Nanna, rather than genuine sports fans. Or that it always was a messy apples-and-oranges comparison business.
      And, yes, nobody seems able to get anything right any more.
      The FIA can’t run a motor race, Uefa can’t run a Champions League draw and our Government certainly can’t run a country.
      Yet the idea of crowning the nation’s sportsperson of the year remains a worthy one.
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      @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);}
      It’s an idea that still matters. And which the BBC ought to try and get right.
      That means Hamilton should clearly be on the ballot.
      There is nothing the British love more than a gracious, glorious, hard-done-by loser. And British Nannas love them more than most.
      Hamilton was gracious, glorious and hard-done-by when robbed of a record eighth world title in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
      He is the only British sportsman who can claim to be the greatest of all-time in a major worldwide sport.
      He was part of an exhilarating rivalry with Max Verstappen which revived flagging interest in Formula One.
      And if we really are considering the idea of ‘personality’ then Hamilton — a two-time SPOTY winner — has shown more of that quality than ever in the past 12 months, as an outspoken campaigner on human rights issues, often antagonising his sport’s bosses.
      If you really believe the BBC are ‘woke’ then how do you square Hamilton’s omission from a list of just six names, which normally extends into double figures?
      This was a very good year for British sport with a successful Olympics, England reaching a first major football final since 1966 and Raducanu’s US Open triumph, surely the most astonishing British sporting achievement ever.
      It certainly wasn’t one of those barren ‘let’s just give it to Princess Anne or one of her children’ years.
      But after Raducanu, are any of the other five SPOTY contenders more worthy than Hamilton?
      Tyson Fury had one fight in 2021 and won it less convincingly than we thought he would.
      He has also served a drug ban, is connected to a suspected crime lord and doesn’t want to be considered for the award anyway.
      Raheem Sterling had an excellent Euros but spent much of the year struggling to get into Manchester City’s starting line-up for the biggest matches.
      Lewis Hamilton congratulates rival Max Verstappen on his title winCredit: Getty
      Tom Daley was a great story but he finally struck Olympic diving gold in a synchronised event — and I bet you can’t even remember the name of the bloke he was synchronising with? It definitely takes two to synchronise.
      Adam Peaty became the first British swimmer to retain an Olympic title. But is he more worthy than several other Team GB members, especially the cycling spouses Jason and Laura Kenny?
      Or does Peaty make the cut because your Nanna has recently been ogling him in tight sequined trousers on Strictly Come Dancing?
      Dame Sarah Storey is hugely inspiring but comparing any paralympian with those not living with a disability is probably the ultimate in apples-and-oranges.
      Anyway, maybe the Beeb just made a deliberate Horlicks of this shortlist so we’d all get talking about it.
      Maybe they’ll regard this debate as proof that SPOTY is still relevant.
      But while Hamilton has more significant injustices to contend with, his omission will make the public vote a sham.
      Fools’ rules
      SPORT must have rules, or else football would still be a medieval Pancake Day free-for-all between two villages — lasting all day and with umpteen murders.
      But do you watch sport for entertainment, or treat it with deadly seriousness, demandng ultimate justice?
      While Formula One race director Michael Masi clearly got it wrong allowing Max Verstappen his chance to land the world title in a final-lap run-off in Abu Dhabi, his instincts were laudable.
      FIA Formula One Race Director Michael Masi is under fireCredit: Rex
      As Masi said to Mercedes chief Toto Wolff: “It’s called a motor race . . . we went motor racing.”
      Masi surely can’t survive Sunday’s chaos but at least he sounds like a decent sort of bloke to have a pint with.

      REMEMBER how VAR was going to remove most controversies from football and allow us to enjoy Match of the Day without them obsessing over endless penalty decisions? How’s that idea going?
      ‘Havin a stinker
      WHEN Andrey Arshavin played for Arsenal he told us: “If I had it in my power to introduce a ban on women driving cars and to withdraw all their licences, I would do it without thinking twice.”
      I tell you what, though, if women had performed yesterday’s Champions League draw, instead of Arshavin and a couple of Uefa blazers, they would not have botched it to such an extent that they’d need a redraw.
      And I bet they wouldn’t keep blaming ‘the software’ either.
      Andrey Arshavin helped with the Champions League draw on MondayCredit: Getty
      NEWCASTLE needed a manager who would sort out their defence — both before and after they hit the transfer market for the January sales.
      Instead they plumped for Eddie Howe, who used to get patted on the head by Pep Guardiola for playing expansive football every time his Bournemouth team got humped by Manchester City at the Etihad.
      Newcastle’s 4-0 stuffing by Leicester suggests little has changed.
      Teflon Joe’s KO
      JOE ROOT is the first Englishman to fail to win The Ashes in his first two attempts as captain and still get a third stab at the job.
      So for Root to select the wrong team for the First Test, to win the toss and bat when the conditions screamed ‘bowl!’ — and then to claim he’d make the same decisions all over again — suggests he is very lucky to be in post.
      Root is a great batsman but his captaincy has rarely cut the mustard.
      England have won one of their last ten Tests and that is likely to read one in 14 by the end of this series.
      Teflon Joe is as non-stick as England’s slip cordon.
      Joe Root’s England were thrashed in the first Ashes Test last weekCredit: EPA
      THERE are many theories on deciding who should captain a football team.
      Usually on the Continent, the armband simply goes to the most-experienced or longest-serving player. Here, it’s often the shoutiest player.
      And there’s a general consensus that a centre-back or central midfielder is best-placed, positionally, to skipper a side.
      Meanwhile, at Arsenal, they are trying to decide whether or not the captaincy should remain with a player who often doesn’t turn up for work on time — and who doesn’t always look very interested when he does. More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Max Verstappen’s relationship with dad Jos who was once arrested for attempted murder

      by

      WHEN young upstart Max Verstappen sprayed fizz from the podium in Abu Dhabi as seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton looked on glumly, it marked the start of a new era in Formula One.The championship winner’s aggressive driving and outspoken comments have already riled many, including his British rival — and the young Dutchman admits his attitude comes from his fearsome father.
      Critics believe the unusual decision was to create drama for the F1 documentary Netflix was filming, Drive To SurviveCredit: AFP
      Jos ‘the Boss’ Verstappen, 49, is a former F1 driver with a violent pastCredit: Refer to Caption
      Jos “the Boss” Verstappen, 49, is a former F1 driver with a violent past, including an arrest for attempted murder, who has brutally driven on the career of his son.
      And The Sun can reveal that the three-times-married father of five has been accused of taking his tough love approach to parenting too far.
      Now the animosity between his son Max, 24, and Lewis, 36, could even outstrip the classic rivalries dotted throughout motor racing history — James Hunt v Niki Lauda in 1970s, Nigel Mansell v Nelson Piquet in the ’80s and 1990s aces Michael Schumacher v Mika Hakkinen.Red Bull driver Max paid tribute to his dad after his win on Sunday, which saw him claim his first championship after he controversially overtook Hamilton on the final lap of the final race of the season.
      Fighting back tears, he said: “My goal when I was little was to become a Formula One driver. You hope for wins, you hope to be on the podium and that, when they play the national anthem, you hope one day they play yours.
      “And when you stand here and they tell you, you are the champion, it is something incredible.
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      “Especially also my dad, some of the special moments we had here. All the things come to your mind, all the years we spent travelling for that goal and then everything comes together in the last lap. It’s insane.”
      Jos, a former team-mate of F1 legend Schumacher, boasted that Sunday’s so-called “stolen” win — slammed by critics and subject of a possible legal action by Mercedes — is in his son’s DNA.
      He said: “Max really deserved this championship. He kept fighting. He will always fight, that’s in his DNA, I guess.” Their relationship has not always been so cordial.
      In 2012, when Max was just 15, his dad kicked him out of his van as punishment for crashing in the second lap of a world championship kart race in Sarno, near Naples, Italy.
      The teen was abandoned at a petrol station until he was picked up by his mum, go-karting champion Sophie Kumpen, according to reports, and did not speak to his dad for a week.
      Max later recalled: “I should have won that race easily. On the first lap, someone overtook me and I wanted to regain my position on the next lap.
      “I tried to pass on a very fast turn. He didn’t see me and we hit.
      “My dad worked very hard that weekend and I threw it all away. He was very angry and didn’t talk to me. On the way home, about five miles away, he said something to me and we ended up arguing.”
      Jos admitted: “I didn’t speak to him for six or seven days.
      “I knew what I was doing. I think it helped him and shaped him. It is not my job to advise him now.”
      Jos is clearly not afraid of confrontation and in recent weeks he has been pouring fuel on the fire of his son’s rivalry
      Jos inherited his no-nonsense approach to parenting from his own tough guy father Frans, a publican and later ice-cream parlour owner from southern Holland.
      In 1998, just a year after Max was born, Jos and his dad were each given five-year suspended jail sentences for fracturing a man’s skull.
      They reached an out-of-court settlement with the unnamed 45-year-old victim, who was part of a group that had been arguing with the Verstappens about who got to use a karting track in the Belgian town of Lanaken.
      In December 2008, Jos was back in court in Tongeren having been charged with assaulting his wife of 12 years — Max’s mum — when his son was 11.
      He was accused of using threatening language and there were also claims that his estranged wife’s tyres had been damaged three times.
      Jos was cleared of assault but found guilty of sending threatening text messages and of violating a previous restraining order. He was fined and sentenced to three months probation.
      In November 2011 it was reported that Jos assaulted his unnamed 24-year-old girlfriend in a hotel room in Venlo, Holland, after an argument got out of hand.
      He denied the allegations saying: “There has been an altercation, yes, that’s all.” Then, in January 2012, he was arrested for attempted murder following claims that he drove a car into his ex-girlfriend in the Dutch city of Roermond.
      He was released after two weeks in jail when the charge was withdrawn due to a lack of evidence.Jos is clearly not afraid of confrontation and in recent weeks he has been pouring fuel on the fire of his son’s rivalry.
      He slammed Hamilton’s Mercedes team after the Brit had a terrifying 180mph crash with his son at Silverstone this year. Max was in hospital having checks while Hamilton celebrated on the podium.
      Jos said: “I never speak to Lewis. He doesn’t need to speak to me. I’m nothing to him. I respect him as a driver, but the rest . . . nothing.
      “Max and Lewis only speak on the podium, very little. When I see Max with other drivers, I think they get on very well. But with Lewis, nothing. Lewis is in his own world.”
      Max and Lewis are now neighbours in the tax haven of Monaco and would find they have a lot in common if they ever agreed to meet up for a drink.
      So it was no wonder that Hamilton was so upset when, following Williams’ driver Nicholas Latifi’s smash five laps from the end of Sunday’s final Grand Prix, Max was allowed to overtake a safety car to catch him up for the last lap.
      Critics believe the unusual decision was to create drama for the F1 documentary Netflix was filming, Drive To Survive. Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker tweeted afterwards: “What a joke. That stinks.”
      Max and Lewis are now neighbours in the tax haven of Monaco and would find they have a lot in common if they ever agreed to meet up for a drink.
      Hamilton was raised in Stevenage, Herts, and developed a passion for racing after his dad Anthony bought him a go-kart for Christmas when he was six.
      Max started out riding a quad bike in his garden in the Belgian border town of Bree.
      He was still a toddler when he threw such a bad tantrum demanding an upgrade that his mum phoned his dad, saying: “I think we have to buy Max a go-kart. Now.”
      Hamilton’s dad worked multiple jobs to fund his son’s training and later became his manager.
      Max spent winters skiing with F1 star Schumacher, 52, and his son Mick, now 22, until the race ace suffered serious brain injuries in a horror smash on the slopes of the French Alps.
      When Max’s parents separated, he moved in with his dad. His sister Victoria, also a racing driver, lived with his mum.
      Lewis became the first — and is still the only — black man to race in Formula One when he made his debut aged 23 in 2007.
      Max was 17 years and 166 days old when he became the youngest ever F1 driver in 2015.
      His aggressive style was branded “dangerous” in his early races — and his Brazilian model girlfriend Kelly Piquet, 33, admits it worries her.
      There is nobody harder on me than my dad, no matter what other people say. It is never that hard, compared to himMax Verstappen
      Kelly — the daughter of ex-F1 champ Nelson Piquet, and who has a daughter from a relationship with Russian driver Daniil Kvyat, 27 — said: “I’m always super-excited to support him but I am nervous that he doesn’t get hurt in an accident.”
      Finnish rival Kimi Räikkönen, now 42, warned Max “was going to cause a huge accident sooner or later”.
      Max’s mentor, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, 48, admitted his driving was “on the edge”.
      There was more upset when, after a collision with Canadian Lance Stroll, 23, Max used the words “retard” and “mongol” over the team radio at the Portuguese GP in October last year and was forced to apologise.
      Lewis sacked his father during an alleged falling out in 2010 — but Max appears closer than ever with his.
      He recently said: “My attitude all comes from my dad.
      “There is nobody harder on me than my dad, no matter what other people say. It is never that hard, compared to him.”
      Jos is clearly not afraid of confrontation and in recent weeks he has been pouring fuel on the fire of his son’s rivalryCredit: Getty
      Max and Lewis are now neighbours in the tax haven of Monaco and would find they have a lot in common if they ever agreed to meet up for a drinkCredit: Rex
      The young Dutchman admits his attitude comes from his fearsome father
      The teen was abandoned at a petrol station until he was picked up by his mum, go-karting champion Sophie Kumpen, according to reports
      Max started out riding a quad bike in his garden in the Belgian border town of Bree
      Red Bull driver Max paid tribute to his dad after his win on Sunday, which saw him claim his first championship after he controversially overtook Hamilton on the final lapCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Max Verstappen SNATCHES F1 world title from Lewis Hamilton on last lap in dramatic and controversial season enderWe pay for your stories!Do you have a story for The Sun news desk? More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘Lewis Hamilton was robbed’ – Piers Morgan blasts Max Verstappen’s ‘completely unfair’ F1 title win

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON was ‘robbed’ of a record eighth F1 title, according to Piers Morgan.The Brit was pipped to the win by Max Verstappen in controversial fashion on Sunday and Morgan, 56, labelled it ‘completely unfair’.
      Piers Morgan says Lewis Hamilton was robbed of the F1 titleCredit: Getty
      The Brit was denied a record EIGHTH title on Sunday as Max Verstappen pipped him on the last lapCredit: AFP
      Hamilton lost to Verstappen in heartbreaking fashion, seeing the Dutchman controversially pull in front of him with just one lap left to race in Abu Dhabi.
      The Mercedes superstar had been heading for victory when a Nicholas Latifi crash resulted in the safety car being deployed.
      Stewards said lapped cars would not be allowed to pass under safety car conditions, before reversing that call to allow a handful of backmarkers through.
      That cleared the way for championship rival Verstappen to attack Hamilton on a fresher set of tyres, with the Red Bull man taking victory and his first world title.
      And furious Morgan tweeted: “New F1 World Champion @Max33Verstappen’s Grand Prix win yesterday was thrillingly unpredictable, sensationally exciting, and also completely unfair…
      “@LewisHamilton was robbed by rule-bending officials who wanted to give us all a great dramatic TV moment. That’s not sport.”

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      @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);}
      The FIA as good as handed Verstappen the title with a decision late in the race at Abu DhabiCredit: Getty
      Furious Merc chiefs immediately appealed the safety car decision at Yas Marina Circuit and vowed to take their case to the FIA’s appeals court after their pleas were rejected.
      But a classy Hamilton refused to be drawn on the controversial call as he praised Verstappen in his post-race interview.
      Morgan’s comments came after Jeremy Clarkson called for ‘idiot’ stewards to be banned.
      He tweeted: “That stewards’ decision is wrong.
      “It’s like the VAR handball (on Saturday). What is the point of these idiots?
      “Delighted with the result but the stewards need to be banned. We’ve had enough of them.”
      Chelsea fan Clarkson was referring to the dubious decision to award Manchester City a penalty against Wolves.
      The Blues’ Premier League rivals were awarded a spot-kick after VAR replays failed to overturn a dodgy handball call against Joao Moutinho.
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      Watch Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s epic final F1 lap from Daniel Ricciardo’s car in incredible footage

      by

      McLAREN star Daniel Ricciardo had the best view of the incredible final lap of the Ab Dhabi Grand Prix.The Australian was directly behind Max Verstappen’s stunning overtake on Lewis Hamilton that saw him win his first F1 world championship.

      Daniel Ricciardo had the perfect view of Max Verstappen’s overtake on Lewis HamiltonCredit: F1 TV
      Verstappen passed Hamilton on the final lap in Abu Dhabi to win his first Formula One World ChampionshipCredit: F1 TV
      Verstappen raced clear of Hamilton after passing the British icon at turn fiveCredit: F1 TV
      The Red Bull ace, 24, passed the Mercedes driver in dramatic fashion at the death to deny the British icon a record eighth Formula One world title.
      Hamilton was on course for victory only for a safety car to be deployed on lap 54 after Williams’ Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers.
      The 36-year-old was leading the race by over ten seconds prior to the safety car, which ultimately allowed Verstappen to hone in on his rival.
      Verstappen then used his fresher tyres after he pitted to edge in front of the seven-time world champ.
      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.
      Ricciardo, who finished in 12th place at the Abu Dhabi GP, was one of the drivers that was not permitted to unlap themselves.
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      But having found himself just behind the front row of Hamilton and Verstappen for the final lap, the Aussie was able to enjoy all the drama that unfolded in front of his eyes.
      And the footage from his car showed the extraordinary final lap as Verstappen overtook Hamilton on turn five before streaking clear.
      It shows Verstappen toying with Hamilton behind the safety car, before he raced clear of him to win his maiden championship.
      Giving his immediate reaction following the race, Ricciardo said: “I don’t want you to ask me, I want to ask you. Tell me, tell me what happened.
      “Crazy. Crazy, crazy finale. I said before the weekend, there’s no loser.
      “They’ve both done everything possible … but of course, for Lewis to lose it on the last lap, that’s a tough one today.”

      Before adding: “At the end it was kind of weird, they said cars can’t pass, the lapped cars, then some of them did, but then I wasn’t allowed to.
      “We did a one-lap restart, I’m sitting right behind Lewis and Max, like, why am I here? I don’t know. It was very interesting.”
      Hamilton was heard on the Mercedes team radio stating that the race ‘has been manipulated’ following the controversial ending.
      Meanwhile his brother Nicolas branded the FIA as a ‘disgrace to the sport’ in an Instagram post. More

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      in Motorsport

      Watch Toto Wolff crowd surf in nightclub and get soaked by drinks as he puts Lewis Hamilton’s F1 title loss behind him

      by

      MERCEDES chief Toto Wolff partied into the Abu Dhabi night despite Lewis Hamilton missing out on the world title.Wolff, 49, put that disappointment aside and enjoyed a well-earned night out with his team after a long and gruelling season.
      Toto Wolff looked excited before launching himself into the crowdCredit: Instagram @lids_harper
      The crowd held the Mercedes chief aloftCredit: Instagram / @lids_harper
      Wolff was then sprayed with various alcoholic drinks as he celebrated the end of the F1 seasonCredit: Instagram / @lids_harper
      It was a stressful ride for the Austrian for most of the year, and after slamming his headphones in Saudi Arabia there was more stress in the final lap of the final race after race director Michael Masi handed Max Verstappen a chance to win.
      Despite Red Bull stealing the glory at the last there was plenty for Wolff to celebrate, and he made sure he did.
      In a busy nightclub Wolff jumped into the crowd, who lifted him aloft and began spraying him with alcohol.
      An F1 photographer caught the episode on camera, with Wolff’s delight clear to see.
      After all, he did oversee yet another successful campaign in which Mercedes once again finished at the top of the constructors’ championship.
      It is the eighth consecutive year they have won that competition.
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      And as a reward workers of the German team will receive a bonus worth £10,000 each.
      There is still a chance Hamilton and Mercedes could celebrate a world championship win too.
      Merc launched an appeal immediately after the race which was rejected late on Sunday.
      But there is still an opportunity for the Silver Arrows to take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      Controversy was sparked after Masi changed his mind to allow five cars to unlap themselves – putting Verstappen right behind Hamilton.
      That cut out the margin Hamilton had worked hard all race to build up, and on fresher tyres there was only likely to be one outcome – a Red Bull win. More

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      F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix LIVE REACTION: Mercedes protests REJECTED latest, Verstappen WINS controversial world title

      by

      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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      Stay up to date with all the latest from Yas Marina in our live blog…
      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.
      Load more entries… More

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      F1 theory emerges that Masi let Verstappen have last-lap chance to beat Hamilton for Netflix ‘Drive to Survive’ finale

      by

      F1 RACE DIRECTOR Michael Masi is under fire after his controversial decision enabled Max Verstappen to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the world title.Masi was responsible for deciding how the safety car would be deployed towards the end of the race and he allowed it to pull off the track with one lap remaining.
      FIA director Michael Masi is under fire from F1 fansCredit: Getty
      Max Verstappen was presented with the controversial chance to win the F1 title after the safety car endedCredit: Alamy
      Lewis Hamilton led for the entirety of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix until the last lapCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But even more controversially he allowed the lapped cars to overtake Lewis Hamilton, putting Verstappen into second.
      Except after the restart the Dutchman’s margin to race leader Hamilton was wiped out.
      And having pitted to put on fresh, soft tyres, Verstappen was left with a major advantage over Hamilton.
      The fact Masi allowed that to happen has enraged many F1 fans with some claiming the decision was made to create more drama.
      Some even referenced Netflix’s ‘Drive To Survive’ in their criticisms, suggesting Masi took the ending he did to reach the most dramatic conclusion of a season to remember.
      Host of the US satire programme ‘The Daily Show’ Trevor Noah even got involved in the online debate.
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      He tweeted: “Terrible result for Lewis (Hamilton) but great result for F1.
      “Championship decided on the final race, everyone arguing about the rules online and a dramatic ending for the next season of Drive to Survive.
      ‘Better to be a controversial sport than a boring one.”
      Another F1 fan added: “Sack Michael Masi immediately, the FIA just fixed a race and threw away the rule book so it’d make a good Drive to Survive episode. ABSOLUTE CLOWNS.
      And a third said: “Formula 1 has become the WWE of motorsports.
      “Max Verstappen is the new John Cena and Masi is Vince Macman. The race is scripted and it starting to feel like Drive to survive in real life.
      “Mercedes should leave F1 and focus on Formule E. Lewis was robbed.” More

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      in Motorsport

      The 7 most controversial F1 championship moments ever after Lewis Hamilton’s shocking 2021 defeat by Max Verstappen

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON missed out on a record eighth F1 world title after a stunning safety car decision saw rival Max Verstappen pip him on the final lap of the season.The Mercedes superstar had been leading at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix when a late Nicholas Latifi crash brought out the safety car.
      Lewis Hamilton narrowly lost to Max Verstappen at Yas Marina CircuitCredit: Getty
      And a contentious call to allow lapped cars to overtake before the safety car came in cleared the way for Verstappen to attack the Merc man on a fresher set of tyres.
      The flying Dutchman squeezed past just seconds before the end to claim victory and his first ever championship.
      Furious Mercedes chiefs immediately protested the result and signalled their intention to appeal after their initial pleas were rejected by FIA bosses.
      But the drama at Yas Marina Circuit is far from the first time the F1 season has finished in such dramatic style. 
      Here SunSport runs the rule over seven other jaw-dropping moments in motorsport history.
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      ITALY 1956
      RENT-A-CAR STAR
      Monza was the venue for the final race of the 1956 season.
      Three drivers were in contention for the title, Ferrari’s Fangio and Peter Collins, as well as Maserati’s Jean Behra.
      Behra was forced to retire, while it looked dicey for Fangio when a broken steering arm forced him into the pits.
      However, in an incredible moment of sportsmanship Collins gave him his car to finish second and claim the crown.
      No22 Fangio leads Stirling Moss at Monza in 1956Credit: Getty
      MEXICO 1964
      SURTEES BEST OF BRITISH
      A trio of British drivers headed to a boiling Mexico City all in championship contention – John Surtees of Ferrari, BRM’s Graham Hill and Lotus’ Jim Clark.
      Clark led for 63 of 65 laps until his engine failed on the final lap. 
      Hill could have been champion, if Lorenzo Bandini hadn’t driven into the back of him and dropped out of the points places.
      Surtees, in the end, got through to finish second and pip Hill by one point in the standings.
      John Surtees clinches the 1964 World ChampionshipCredit: LAT Photographic
      UNITED STATES 1974
      ALL TO PLAY FOR
      1974 was the only other time two drivers were level pegging going into the final race until Hamilton vs Verstappen on Sunday.
      It wasn’t a Grand Prix of such high drama at Watkins Glen as a damper problem meant Fittipaldi’s rival Clay Regazzoni finished in 11th.
      The Brazilian finished fourth, winning his second title by three points.
      But his win was sadly overshadowed by the fatal crash of Austrian racer Helmuth Koinigg.
      Emerson Fittipaldi finished fourth at the US GP to clinch his second titleCredit: Getty
      JAPAN 1976
      HAPPY HUNTING IN THE WET
      So good, and involving two great personalities, it made the astonishing film Rush.
      Niki Lauda and James Hunt fought it out at the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix in a thrilling climax to the season.
      Lauda, who two months earlier had suffered the horror fireball crash at the German Grand Prix, retired on lap two because of the shocking weather conditions.
      Hunt stuck with it and managed to finish third in the pouring rain to nab the four points he needed to be champion.
      Heavy rain made the 1976 Japanese GP hell for the driversCredit: LAT Photographic
      AUSTRALIA 1994
      SCHUMACHER ON TWO WHEELS
      It was a move that looked like it belonged in an action movie.
      Adelaide was the setting for Britain’s Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher to lock horns and even cars.
      The German was leading when he turned sharply at the East Terrace corner on lap 36.
      He then pulled sharply across Hill, who tried to work his way up the inside as they approached the next corner.
      Schumacher was knocked onto two wheels and out of the race. But Hill’s suspension forced him out, giving Schumi the win by one point.
      Michael Schumacher was knocked onto two wheels after a run in with HillCredit: Sutton Motor Sport Images
      EUROPE 1997
      SCHUMI KICKED OUT
      Three years later, along came another unsavoury Schumacher incident that saw him disqualified from the 1997 driver standings.
      Williams’ Villeneuve was behind the Ferrari man by a single point as they headed to Jerez.
      On lap 48, Villeneuve spotted Schumacher leaving space for him to pass, but he turned into him – ricocheting off the Williams car and into the gravel.
      Schumi couldn’t get going again, and the Canadian went on to finish third and secure the title.
      Jacques Villeneuve and Schumacher collided in JerezCredit: Sutton Motor Sport Images
      BRAZIL 2008
      HAMILTON’S LAST GASP
      Before Sunday, the conclusion to the 2008 Brazil GP ranked as the most extraordinary final lap in Hamilton’s driving career.
      Lewis went to Interlagos leading by seven points from local lad Felipe Massa.
      Massa was brilliant and won the race – his second ever win in his home country. 
      But Hamilton saw Timo Glock slow down as he struggled on dry tyres in the wet. 
      The Brit zipped past him right at the end to claim fifth and four points for his first title.
      Hamilton claimed his first world title in 2008Credit: PA:Press Association
      ‘We’ll see about next year’ – Lewis Hamilton hints he might not return for next F1 season in subtle retirement nod More