Miracle of Yas Marina for Max as he prevails in world title shoot-out
Max Verstappen claimed his first-ever Formula One world championship with a sensational last-lap overtake on title rival Lewis Hamilton to claim a controversial victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver stormed past Hamilton in the closing stages of the seasonending race at the Yas Marina Circuit having benefited from a late safety car that bunched up the pack.
Hamilton appeared to be charging to glory, easily holding Verstappen at bay in the closing laps only for a crash for the Williams of Nicholas Latifi to change the course of events.
Confusion reigned as under-fire race director Michael Masichangedhismindtoallow 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 Dutchman broke into tears as he crossed the line, professing his love for his team and sitting by his car after bringing it to a stop: “This isunbelievableguys.Canwedo this for another 10 to 15 years together,” he said.
He 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 stillhavingacramp.It’sinsane.
“These guys, my team, they deserveit.Ilovethemsomuch.
"I’ve enjoyed working with them since 2016 but this year has been incredible.”
Hamilton had looked on
course for a record eighth championship after passing pole sitter Verstappen off the line.
The Brit started alongside his fellow title protagonist on the front row and was quicker off the mark, leading the race into turn one of the reconfigured track.
Those alterations were made to improve overtaking here and Verstappen attempted
to take full advantage of the wideningofthehairpinatturn sevenashelungedtotryandregain 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.
Thenear-misswasallHamilton needed to know he needed to scamper down the road to avoid any further incidents, awarethatifheandVerstappen were both not to finish the titlewouldgotohisadversaryby 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 beingundercutbyVerstappen but emerged behind the sister
Red Bull of Sergio Perez – who was given instructions to hold up Hamilton.
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 Hamiltonwasstilluntouchable,Red Bull boss Christian Horner
admitting the team needed a “miracle” with the gap at 11 seconds with 10 laps remaining.
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 was ready to pounce and sprung, although Hamilton did battle back until he had nothing left to give.