MUST WATCH: Unbelievable drama as Max Verstappen wins F1 title on last lap

12th December, 2021

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12th December, 2021

2211 Reads

Max Verstappen has prevailed in an astonishing last-race, last-lap shoot-out with Lewis Hamilton to claim the Formula One world championship.

The Red Bull driver looked out of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at various points but, after a safety car came on to deal with a Nicholas Latifi crash, he was given a reprieve.

He changed his tyres during the delay and, after lapped cars were allowed to clear the safety car, he and leader Hamilton, in his Mercedes, were left with a final-lap race in which the Dutchman hunted down the reigning champion and passed him.

Verstappen could not hide his emotion at his incredible victory, saying on the Red Bull’s team radio: “This is unbelievable guys! Can we do this for another 10 to 15 years together?”

Earlier, Hamilton seemed on course to a record eighth title when he won the start against the pole sitter Verstappen and was allowed to keep the lead after riding off track to avoid a collision between the two.

Verstappen’s title ended Mercedes’ all-out reign in the hybrid era since 2014 although the German marque managed to get an eighth straight constructors’ title.

It was the first world title in eight years for Red Bull who had won four straight drivers’ titles from Sebastian Vettel and all constructors’ titles in the period 2010-2013 as well.

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