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

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    Verstappen had five lapped cars between him and Hamilton but they were allowed to pass the safety car before it was withdrawn – giving the Dutchman a clear shot at the leader.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

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

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

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

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

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

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      MERCEDES are protesting the outcome of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the championship on the final lap of the season.The British superstar was overtaken by title rival Max Verstappen after a controversial safety car decision at Yas Marina Circuit.
      Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the title by Max VerstappenCredit: Reuters
      Hamilton was leading by more than ten seconds before the safety car appeared on lap 54 when Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers.
      Dutch flier Verstappen chased down Hamilton on the final lap having earlier pitted for fresher tyres than the Merc man.
      The safety car entered the pit lane with one lap remaining – and that freed up Verstappen for one final crack at the leader Hamilton.
      But there was controversy surrounding the timing of the safety car’s withdrawal after several lapped cars were allowed past.
      Stewards had initially indicated lapped cars in between Hamilton and Verstappen would stay in their current formation.
      That would have left Verstappen with five cars to get past before reaching Hamilton for a shot at the lead.
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      But stewards controversially reversed the call and allowed lapped cars through – giving the Red Bull man clear air behind the leader.
      There is also an appeal over calims Verstappen appeared to overtake Hamilton before the safety car had cleased the track.
      Verstappen then capitalised on his fresher tyres to snatch the lead and leave Hamilton struggling on his older set of rubber.
      Merc boss Toto Wolff could be seen ranting in the paddock and blasted race director Michael Masi over the radio.
      And his team have launched protests on two counts – officially ‘relating to alleged breaches of Articles 48.8 and 48.12 of the FIA Sporting Regulations’.
      Reports even suggest Mercedes have a BARRISTER looking over the incident to help their protest cases.
      Max Verstappen SNATCHES F1 world title from Lewis Hamilton on last lap in dramatic and controversial season ender More

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      ‘This is unacceptable’ – Lewis Hamilton’s new Mercedes team-mate George Russell FUMES after Max Verstappen steals title

      by

      A FURIOUS George Russell lashed out at the ‘unacceptable’ finale to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that saw his future team-mate Lewis Hamilton robbed of the F1 title.Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won his first world championship in dramatic style after a final-lap overtake on the Mercedes man.
      Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the title on the final lapCredit: AFP
      The Dutchman was on fresher tyres than his Brit rival and flew past him after a controversial safety car decision in the race’s closing stages.
      Lapped cars were allowed past the safety car before it was withdrawn, giving Verstappen a clear shot at the leader.
      And Russell, who joins Mercedes next season, was left fuming at the call.
      He first tweeted: “THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!”
      And followed up with: “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.”
      Stewards had initially indicated lapped cars would stay in place when the safety car was withdrawn with a lap to go.
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      That would have left Verstappen needing to get past five backmarkers before having a shot at Hamilton’s lead.
      But the decision to allow some lapped cars past before pulling the safety car off the track grave the Red Bull man clear air to attack.
      And he capitalised on his fresher rubber to dart past the seven-time winner for his first taste of world championship glory.
      Mercedes were fuming about the decision and launched TWO protests soon after the drivers his parc ferme. More

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      F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix LIVE RESULT: Verstappen WINS world title after safety car controversy ahead of Hamilton – latest

      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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      CHRISTIAN HORNER HAILS FIA DECISION
      “That just about sums up this year. I said Max was going to need something from the racing gods in the last 10 laps so thank you Nicholas Latifi for that Safety Car. We felt hard done by with the stewards at the beginning of the race but they did great to get the race going again.
      “It’s been an insane competition, and for Max to win the world championship it’s not just about here, it’s the whole year. Lewis has been a phenomenal opponent all year, he’s a great world champion and that’s what makes it more valid to win this.
      “We were screaming at him [Michael Masi} ‘let them race’. That’s what we’ve been talking about all year and this championship came down to the last lap. A great strategy call to make that pit stop, to take that set of softs and then it was down to Max and make it happen.
      “It’s unheard of to leave the cars unlapped. You could see they wanted to get the race going again and they don’t need to catch up the back of the paddock. They made absolutely the right call – difficult circumstances and they called it right.
      “I’m just so proud of Max, so proud of the team for what we’ve been through and what we’ve achieved against some fierce and great opponents.
      “I was screaming from Turn Five all the way down the back straight. You just knew Max was not going to give it up. To see him cross the line and become world champion for us after all these years is an amazing feeling.
      “This is right up with our first world championship. The quality of the opponents we’ve had this year, they’ve pushed us so hard and we’ve fought so hard, and then a stroke of good fortune for us and we made it work.”
      JOS VERSTAPPEN IS TEARFUL AFTER SON’S GLORY
      “I’m very proud. Because of the Safety Car we are in this situation, but still you have to do it and I think the team had a good strategy to call him in.
      “Max was the driver this year and he really deserves this championship.
      “I think the whole team was worried because we know Mercedes’ speed. But still he kept fighting, he always fights. That’s in his DNA and that’s what he’s done today. He said that every lap he was flat out and he was driving to the maximum.
      “He only had one chance, one lap and that’s what he took.
      “During the race I walked away as I didn’t believe it any more but I came back for the last lap.”
      AN UNFORGETTABLE TITLE BATTLE

      VERSTAPPEN COMPLETES HIS CHILDHOOD DREAM
      “My goal when I was little was to become an F1 driver. You hope for wins, you hope to be on the podium, when they play the national anthem you one day hope they’ll play yours.
      “Now standing here and they tell you you’re the world champion is something incredible.
      “To share this special memory with my dad. All the things come back through your mind, all the years spent together and travelling for that goal and it comes here together on the last lap. It’s insane.”
      “Lewis is an amazing driver, an amazing competitor.
      “They made it really really hard for us. The two teams went against each other and we had some tough times but that’s part of sport and the emotion, everyone wants to win.
      “It could have gone either way today and next year we’ll come back and try it all over again.”
      BOTH DADS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT

      HAMILTON KEEPS A LEVEL HEAD
      “Firstly congratulations to Max and to his team.
      “I think we did an amazing job this year. My team, everyone back at the factory, have worked so hard this whole year, it’s been the most difficult of seasons.
      “I’m so proud of them and I’m so grateful to be a part of the journey with them.
      “This last part of the season we gave it absolutely everything and never gave up, that’s the most important thing.”
      “Of course I have felt great in the car this past couple of months, particularly at the end. I hope everyone stays safe in the pandemic and has good Christmas during this time and we’ll see about next year.”
      VERSTAPPEN: “LUCK FINALLY WENT MY WAY”
      “It’s unbelievable. Throughout the whole race I kept fighting and to have an opportunity on the last lap, it’s incredible. I’m having cramp. It’s insane.
      “I don’t know what to say. My team and Honda, they deserve it. I love them so much and I really really enjoy working with them. This year has been incredible.
      “Finally a bit of luck for me.
      “I also need to say a big thank you to Checo. He was driving his heart out today, it was great team-work and he’s an amazing team-mate.
      “My team know I love them and I hope we can do this for 10-15 years together. There’s no reason to change ever, I want to stay with them for the rest of my life. I hope they let me.
      “Christian and Helmut trusted me to be in the team in 2016, our goal was to be world champion and now we’ve done that.”
      RUSSELL HAS HIS SAY

      HAMILTON RECEIVES A HUG AND WORDS OF WISDOM FROM HIS FATHER
      Anthony Hamilton goes on to congratulate Verstappen and his father Jos.
      HAMILTON CONGRATULATES VERSTAPPEN

      DRIVERS CELEBRATE AND COMMISERATE HAMILTON AND VERSTAPPEN
      Vettel and Schumacher huge Hamilton ein the weight room.
      While Norris and Sainz hug Verstappen as he celebrates the title.
      HAMILTON LOST FOR WORDS
      His race engineer says: “I’m just speechless Lewis, absolutely speechless.”
      Hamilton does not reply.
      There’s a lot of discussion in Mercedes’ garage as they feel aggrieved.
      OUR NEW WORLD CHAMPION!

      MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE RACE AND THE 2021 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!
      Verstappen screams down the radio as the pit wall send wild cheers in return.
      Mercedes are absolutely furious.
      Christian Horner and Verstappen are crying their eyes out.
      “We needed a bit of luck and we got it,” says Christian Horner to Verstappen on team radio. “We love you. We ****ing love you.”
      Both Horner and Verstappen clearly in tears.
      “We needed a bit of luck and we got it,” says Christian Horner to Verstappen on team radio. “We love you. We ****ing love you.”
      ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX CONTINUES FOR ONE LAST LAP
      The cars are allowed to lap the safety car, meaning it’s a straight shoot out.
      VERSTAPPEN PASSES HAMILTON ON TURN 5
      LAP 57 OF 58 – VERSTAPPEN LAUGHS OFF DECISION
      “Yeah, of course. Typical decision,” says Verstappen.
      He adds: “I’m not surprised.”
      THREE LAPS REMAING
      We could have one racing lap, as this 2021 championship fight could be settled on the final lap.
      Perez has been told to retire the car, handing Mercedes the constructors championship.
      The lapped cars will not be allowed to overtake Hamilton, meaning Verstappen has a handful of cars between him and Hamilton.
      WILL WE GET ANY MORE RACING LAPS?
      Brundle said: “Max Verstappen has fresh tyres, Lewis has worn tyres. Red Bull have nothing to lose here.
      “Will there be any more racing laps? If there are, Max has got the tyres to do something.”
      LAP 52 – FULL SAFETY CAR
      Nicolas Latifi has crashed and the stewards have called for a safety car.
      Verstappen stops for soft tyres while Hamilton is stays out of the pits again.
      Hamilton sighs over the radio and says: “That’s unbelievable man.”
      Hamilton could be left in the lurch if the race restarts.
      LAP 51 – VERSTAPPEN HAS FIVE CARS TO LAP
      Verstappen has five cars to lap after Norris’ pit stop, as he trails Hamilton by 11 seconds with six laps remaining.
      Brundle added: “Lewis’ pace on tyres that have been on since Lap 14 is really quite sensational.”
      HORNER SAYS ‘WE NEED A MIRACLE’
      The Red Bull boss tells Sky F1: “The pace of the Mercedes is just too strong today. We’re going to need a miracle to turn this around.
      “Max will drive his heart out these last 10 laps, you can guarantee that.”
      LAP 50 – HAMILTON TOLD TO BE CAREFUL OF THE CURBS
      Lando Norris was forced to pit due to a slow puncture after riding the curbs… giving Hamilton something else to worry about.
      He is told to avoid the curbs on the final two turns of the circuit.
      LAP 48 – VERSTAPPEN TAKES A SECOND OUT OF HAMILTON’S LEAD
      Martin Brundle said: “Verstappen just took a second out of the lead there… but it’s still a dozen seconds.”
      “But that may be down to Hamilton lapping the four cars.
      “Hamilton’s dashboard is saying there are less laps remaining but his engineers have assured him to ignore the dash.”
      LAP 46 – SEASON CLIMAX APPROACHING
      Verstappen is chasing Hamilton but he is not showing the raw speed he needs to catch Hamilton by the end of the race.
      The lead is now at 13.2 seconds with 11 laps remaining.
      LAP 45 – HAMILTON WARNED OF BACK MARKERS
      There are four cars ahead of Hamilton who are expected to be lapped.
      He is warned to show extra caution as the cars ahead are scrapping for places.
      Hamilton leads by almost 14 seconds.
      Here’s the traffic jam which awaits him further up the road.

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      Max Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet in tears as she watches Red Bull star collect F1 world title on podium

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN’S girlfriend Kelly Piquet was in tears as she watched the Red Bull hero pick up the F1 crown.Brazilian model Kelly, the daughter of F1 legend Nelson Piquet, let all her emotion out after being track-side the Dutchman all through one of the sport’s most dramatic championships ever.
      Kelly Piquet wept with joy at boyfriend Max Verstappen’s last-gasp title triumph
      Model Kelly Piquet was caught in the emotion of the occasion as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the F1 crown
      The drama of the final lap was clear to see on Kelly Piquet’s face
      Verstappen overtook title rival Lewis Hamilton to lift the crown in a last-lap shootout after the safety car came out and dramaticlaly cut the Brit’s big lead.
      And as Kelly shared her joy, Verstappen said: “Standing here and they tell you you’re the world champion is something incredible.
      “To share this special memory with my dad.
      “All the things come back through your mind, all the years spent together and travelling for that goal and it comes here together on the last lap. It’s insane.”
      Dad Jos Verstappen, who shared a hug with Hamilton’s father Anthony, said: “I’m very proud.
      “Because of the Safety Car we are in this situation, but still you have to do it and I think the team had a good strategy to call him in.
      “Max was the driver this year and he really deserves this championship.
      “I think the whole team was worried because we know Mercedes’ speed.
      @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 still he kept fighting, he always fights. That’s in his DNA and that’s what he’s done today.
      “He said that every lap he was flat out and he was driving to the maximum.
      “During the race I walked away as I didn’t believe it any more but I came back for the last lap.”
      Kelly Piquet has been dating new F1 world champ Max Verstappen since last yearCredit: Instagram/@kellypiquet/ More

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      ‘We’ll see about next year’ – Lewis Hamilton hints he might not return for next F1 season in subtle retirement nod

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON hinted he might not return for the next F1 season after a dramatic last-gap title loss to Max Verstappen.The British superstar, 36, was caught on the final lap by his Red Bull rival in an astonishing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      Lewis Hamilton was coy about his future in his post-race interviewCredit: Getty
      The Mercedes man lost out on a record eighth world crown, which would have sealed his place as the greatest driver ever.
      After the race, Hamilton said: “A big congratulations to Max and his team.
      “I think we did an amazing job this year. My team worked so hard this whole year, it’s been the most difficult of seasons.
      “We gave it everything and never gave up and that’s the most important thing.
      “I’ve felt great in the car in the past couple of months. We’re still in the pandemic and I just want everyone to stay safe and spend Christmas with their families.
      “We’ll see about next year.”
      @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);}
      Hamilton claimed his first championship crown as a McLaren driver back in 2008 before moving to Merc to triumph again in 2014.
      The Stevenage hero has won every year since then – apart from 2016 when he was pipped to the title by team-mate Nico Rosberg.
      The German retired immediately after winning his first and only championship, leaving the way clear for Hamilton to dominate once again.
      He now sits level on seven titles with the great Michael Schumacher and needs just one more for the outright lead.
      Hamilton v Verstappen: Their careers in numbers More