In a season full of drama and controversy, it almost feels fitting the championship title was decided on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton entered the race level on points — a feat that has only happened once before in the sport’s 71-year history, when Emerson Fittipaldi and Clay Regazzoni entered the 1974 finale level. It was winner-takes-all.
And after all the excitement and buildup, the race did not disappoint. There was controversy from the first lap, with both title contenders having their own share of the luck. But in the end, 24-year-old Verstappen claimed the race and the championship title.
Here is how it all unfolded.
Lap 1: Hamilton made a much better start than Verstappen to lead into Turn 1, but the controversy began at Turn 6.
With so much at stake, it was inevitable to see drama from lights out. Hamilton jumping ahead of his title rival was a huge moment, but the biggest event of the lap came at Turn 6.
Verstappen had closed in and attempted to go up the inside of Hamilton. His move was late, but his braking timed well enough to make the corner and stay on the track. Hamilton, however, was forced wide and cut the corner at the chicane before retaking the lead.
“He has to give that back,” Verstappen said over the radio, but the stewards do not note the incident until two laps later.
Lap 3: The controversy continued as the stewards confirmed no investigation was necessary for the Lap 1 incident.
The stewards’ review decided Verstappen gained an advantage by forcing Hamilton off, which Hamilton simply neutralised by cutting the corner.
Red Bull were furious, and confused. They said it was simply hard racing — Verstappen was ahead at the apex and made the corner. All through this, Hamilton’s lead was slowly increasing.
Lap 13: After struggling with his soft tyres, Verstappen was forced into early change.
He had gone out…
Source : espn
