Andrew Alderson: Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to win championship in insane controversy; Mercedes protesting

Red Bull's Max Verstappen has won the F1 world championship in the most insane circumstances, being handed a miracle finish to claim his maiden title.
But Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes has lodged a protest after the final-lap drama in which Verstappen overtook Hamilton following a controversial safety car ruling.
Verstappen was on pole but beaten off the start by championship rival Lewis Hamilton as the Mercedes driver dominated the race.

That extraordinary final lap of the 2021 title race in full 😮#AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/kknTMDfpAF— Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2021

But with five laps remaining, Williams' Nicholas Latifi crashed and changed the whole championship finish.
Verstappen was about 10 seconds in arrears when the crash happened but was allowed to pit and get fresh soft tyres while Hamilton had old hard tyres.
It looked as though Verstappen would have five lapped drivers in between him and Hamilton. That was until a call came through that the lapped drivers could overtake the safety car and Verstappen was next to Hamilton for the final lap once debris and marshals were cleared from the track.

Max Verstappen gets up on the inside of Lewis Hamilton to take the lead during the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Photo / Getty
While Hamilton fought hard, Verstappen just had the fresher tyres and claimed the miracle finish as he romped home to claim his first world championship.
Mercedes has protested the result over the controversial finish and Sky Sports' Martin Brundle said "I wonder if there is a post-script to this yet".
Verstappen was in disbelief over the victory and sounded as though he was in tears crossing the line.
"Max Verstappen, you are the world champion, the world champion!" Red Bull boss Christian Horner screamed over radio. "You absolutely deserve it."

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands kneels next to his car after he became the F1 world champion after winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Photo / AP
Verstappen said: "I love you so much."
"We needed a bit of luck and we got it," Horner added. "We love you. We ****ing love you."
Just before he got out of the car, Verstappen said: "This is unbelievable guys, can we do this for another 10 to 15 years together?"
Red Bull were rapt, hugging and celebrating, while Mercedes were devastated and team boss Toto Wolff was furious.

Race winner and 2021 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen is congratulated by runner up and former F1 champion Lewis Hamilton. Photo / Getty
"This is not right," Wolff said as the Masi made the decision to allow the lapped five between Hamilton and Verstappen to drive past the safety car.
2016 World Champion for Mercedes Nico Rosberg said "in the document it says 'all cars will be required to unlap themselves' and yet they only let those five cars that were between Lewis and Verstappen unlap themselves. That's where Mercedes are asking if it's OK or not. But I guess in the end Michael Masi can decide what he wants, he's the race director."
But Verstappen claimed the win in an insane finish and will be crowned the world champion for the first time.
"It's unbelievable. Throughout the whole race I kept fighting and to have an opportunity on the last lap, it's incredible. I'm having cramp. It's insane," he said.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates after he became the world champion, while Lewis Hamilton looks on. Photo / AP
"I don't know what to say. My team and Honda, they deserve it. I love them so much and I really really enjoy working with them. This year has been incredible. Finally a bit of luck for me.
"I also need to say a big thank you to Checo. He was driving his heart out today, it was great team work and he's an amazing teammate.
"My team know I love them and I hope we can do this for 10-15 years together. There's...

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