Max Verstappen clinched the F1 Championship for Red Bull in a controversial season ending in Abu Dhabi. After a thrilling season spent battling for the title with his Mercedes rival, Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen won the final race on the last lap during a race that amassed a record-breaking viewership on TV. Below, we explore what exactly happened in the finale.
Standings before the race
Prior to Abu Dhabi, both Verstappen and Hamilton entered the race on 369.5 points each, promising one of the tensest finishes to an F1 season ever. As Verstappen had won more races during the season, he was set to take a tiebreak win if the two finished level at the end of the race. As such, Hamilton knew that only finishing ahead of Verstappen would see him lift the trophy. However, after winning the previous three races in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brazil, Hamilton was in superb form heading into the race.
During the race
The race was as dramatic as the fans had hoped for. Hamilton surged past Verstappen early on, despite the Dutchman taking pole position to start the race. And through consistent, quality driving, Hamilton established a 12 second lead with just six laps to go. At this point, Red Bull seemed to be resigned to a heart-breaking defeat. Indeed, team principal, Max Horner, was heard saying over the radio: “The pace of the Mercedes is just too strong today. We’re going to need a miracle to turn this around.” However, there was a dramatic late turnaround.
The finale
Nicholas Latifi crashed later on, prompting the safety car to emerge. With overtaking not allowed under the safety car, Verstappen was able to pit to put on softer, quicker tyres. Hamilton, on the other hand, stayed out on the track to ensure that he still had first position.
Verstappen re-joined the raced with five cars between himself and Hamilton under the safety car. However, on the penultimate lap, race control allowed the top five cars before the safety car to regain their original positions, with overtaking to be accepted on the final lap. This provided Verstappen with the opportunity to roar past Hamilton at the death and he duly took his opportunity to win the race. Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, protested the decision from race control with disbelief, but Verstappen clung on to win his first ever title.
Verstappen snatching the title in the final moments was a horrifying moment for Mercedes. After seemingly having another championship secured, victory was taken in a shocking manner. However, you can avoid the same nasty surprises with your Mercedes by ensuring that you have Mercedes Gap Insurance.