Abu Dhabi: Max Verstappen finally confirmed as world champion as Mercedes protests rejected
Max Verstappen has been crowned world champion at the Abu Dhabi Gran Prix after two appeals from Mercedes were rejected by race stewards following the Dutchman's thrilling last-lap victory over Lewis Hamilton.
The nail-biting climax to the season was marred by controversy after under-fire race director Michael Masi changed his mind to allow lapped cars to pass the safety car - meaning Verstappen had a clear run at Hamilton in the final lap and on much faster tyres.
The decision led Mercedes to launch two appeals - one for Verstappen undertaking under the safety car and one on the safety car procedure itself and, ultimately, why only a certain number of lapped cars were allowed to pass by before the restart.
However both were dismissed after the two teams spent hours in the stewards’ office, and Verstappen was able toast his title more than four hours after crossing the finish line.
But Mercedes quickly lodged an intention to appeal against the stewards’ findings, meaning the furore is likely to rumble on, although a decision must be made before the FIA prize-giving ceremony on Thursday.
Verstappen's victory meant he prevented Hamilton from bagging a record eighth Formula One world championship.
The Dutchman embraced Red Bull team boss Christian Horner after being informed of the final result.
Asked if he was relieved, the driver told Sky Sports: “Very, (it was) a very stressful day.”
Horner, who had also been unable to hold back the tears when Verstappen crossed the line, was pleased to see the result stick.
“Disappointed we had to go through that,” he told Sky Sports.
“He (Verstappen) is the world champion, he’s the deserving world champion, nobody can take that from him.”
How did both F1 drivers react to the victory?
Verstappen told Sky Sports: “It’s unbelievable. I kept fighting the whole race. I had the opportunity in the last lap. It’s incredible, I’m still having a cramp. It’s insane.
“These guys, my team, they deserve it. I love them so much. I’ve enjoyed working with them since 2016 but this year has been incredible.”
Hamilton paid tribute to Verstappen and said he had given everything possible to win his eighth world title.
He told Sky Sports: “Congratulations to Max and his team. I think we did an amazing job this year.
“Everyone back at the factory and here worked so hard in this most difficult of seasons. I’m so proud of them and so grateful to be part of the journey with them.
“We gave it everything this last part of the season, we never gave up.”
How did the race unfold?
For just the second time in the sport’s history, the duo had gone into the race level on points at the top of the drivers’ standings after going wheel to wheel for much of an enthralling season.
Hamilton had looked on course for a record eighth championship after passing pole sitter Verstappen off the line.
Those alterations were made to improve overtaking here and Verstappen attempted to take full advantage of the widening of the hairpin at turn seven as he lunged to try and regain his lead.
Hamilton went off the track as a result, rejoining having missed the turn but it was deemed he had no penalty to answer for as a season punctuated by collisions, near-misses and contradicting stewarding calls looked set for another twist.
The near-miss was all Hamilton needed to know he needed to race down the road to avoid any further incidents, aware that if he and Verstappen were both not to finish the race, the title would go to the Dutchman by virtue of more race wins.
He was not to have it all his own way, however, as he came into the pits on lap 15 to avoid being undercut by Verstappen but emerged behind the sister Red Bull of Sergio Perez – who was given instructions to hold up Hamilton.
The Mexican did just that, costing Hamilton over six seconds as they tussled for the lead, Verstappen closing in and praising his team-mate as a “legend” over the radio.
Once clear, though, Hamilton once again showed his outright pace to start rebuilding the gap he had lost stuck behind Perez.
All seemed rosy until a virtual safety car was deployed to clear the stricken Alfa Romeo of Antonio Giovinazzi, with Verstappen pitting for fresh tyres as Hamilton stayed out.
Verstappen may have had the fresher rubber but Hamilton was still untouchable, Red Bull boss Christian Horner admitting the team needed a “miracle” with the gap at 11 seconds with 10 laps remaining.
Why was a safety car brought out during the final laps?
And a miracle is exactly what Red Bull got as Latifi crashed into the barriers and brought out a safety car with just five laps remaining, Verstappen stopping for a third time and strapping on more new tyres.
Time, however, appeared to be on Hamilton’s side as the laps ticked down behind the safety car and Masi opted to keep the five lapped cars between the leader and Verstappen in place.
He then changed tact, sending the quintet past Hamilton and the safety car meaning there was nothing between the title rivals as the pace car peeled off with just a single lap remaining.
Verstappen was ready to pounce and sprung, although Hamilton did battle back until he had nothing left to give.
The Dutchman stormed past Hamilton in the closing stages of the season-ending race at the Yas Marina Circuit.
As the unbelievable action unfolded on track, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff fumed at Masi over the radio for his change in decision.
The two drivers shared a fist pump as they met ahead of the podium but with further messages broadcast from Wolff, it was of little surprise when Mercedes lodged two appeals.