Max Verstappen defeats Lewis Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. After grabbing victory on his bitter rival, the Dutchman has won F1’s world championship.

  • Lewis Hamilton was not granted a eighth World Championship at Yas Marina Circuit 
  • British driver Brit overtaken by Max Verstappen in final lap following the controversy surrounding safety car 
  • In the thrilling finale race of this season’s final race, Dutchman takes his first title 
  • Hamilton was the leader for all races, even though Hamilton and his team nearly reached first corner.










Lewis Hamilton is denied an eighth World Championship. He was beaten by Max Verstappen during a controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.  

British driver, who led the whole race, was in complete control of the Red Bull driver after taking the lead at the first corner. But, Red Bull’s safety car allowed the Dutchman to take the title.   

Verstappen furiously challenged the Stewards following Hamilton’s first lap collision at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

Verstappen won the first corner when Hamilton passed him. Red Bull took the turn seven inside and both cars were level. Hamilton forced Verstappen off the track, and Hamilton quickly gained the escape route.

When Hamilton was not told by stewards to return the benefit he had and that there wasn’t an investigation required, Christian Horner, Red Bull boss and Dutchman, reacted furiously.

Red Bull and Max Verstappen reacted furiously to Lewis Hamilton’s first lap collision.

Verstappen (right) dived up the inside of Hamilton (right) at Turn Seven, the cars touched, and the Brit was forced off track, running wide up the escape route and easily retaking the lead

Verstappen dived to the right inside Hamilton at Turn Seven. When the cars collided, the Brit was forced from track. He ran up the escape route quickly and retook the lead.

Verstappen said on team radio: ‘That is incredible. They are doing what? 

Horner then added on Sky Sports: ‘We are a little bit shocked at that because apparently Lewis gave his advantage back, which we have failed to see yet… There is no consistency. Although we are on track for the finish, there is still much to be done.

F1 Race Director Michael Masi, explaining the decision to Red Bull, insisted Hamilton did enough to show he didn’t gain an advantage.  

Defending world champion Hamilton overtook Verstappen, on pole, before the first corner

Verstappen on pole was overtaken by Hamilton who is the current world champion.

There were three opinions from former champions of the world on this controversial episode.

Nico Rosberg said: ‘So difficult. It’s okay what they did. Max was just a bit too aggressive and lungy for Lewis, forcing him out of his comfort zone. Lewis could have a corner. Lewis was unable to give everything back that he’d gained.

Damon Hill added: ‘You have to say Lewis had to basically move out the way because otherwise he was going to collide with Max, who made a very uncompromising a late lunge, left no room for Lewis to make any accommodation and had to leave the track. 

The two fierce rivals are battling for the world title at the winner-takes-all Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

These two rivals will be vying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix world title.

“But I have got to admit that I am surprised that they didn’t give the place back.”

Jenson Button continued: ‘It was a very late lunge but it was always going to happen, Lewis knew he was coming. Lewis got pushed by Button, but he kept going.

“I don’t understand Brazil’s regulations. But they drove off the track. Max did not leave the track at this point. 

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