MAX VERSTAPPEN has been CONFIRMED as F1 world champion after Mercedes’ protests against the Dutchman have been unsuccessful.
The 24-year-old overtook Hamilton with a lap left in Abu Dhabi to win the title, but was left sweating after Mercedes lodged protests on two accounts against him.
Images emerged of the Red Bull driver seemingly overtaking Hamilton BEFORE the safety car had left the track.
That was the first protest to be dismissed by stewards, with a statement reading: “Although (VER) did, for a very short period of time, move slightly in front of (HAM), when both were accelerating and braking, moved back behind and not in front when safety car period ended.”
Merc boss Toto Wolff was also left fuming that lapped cars were allowed to pass Hamilton, meaning Verstappen could use his fresh tyres on clear asphalt to close in on the Brit.
With a lap left Verstappen used his newer rubber to pull in front of the Hamilton, taking the chequered flag, and therefore the world title with it.
But a protest on that matter was also in vain, with Verstappen now CONFIRMED as world champ.
After an anxious wait both protests have been rejected, and Verstappen can breathe a sigh of relief.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the decision, Verstappen said: “[It’s been] a very stressful day,” and when asked what he would do to celebrate said: “Have a tiny drink.”
He picks up his first ever world title crown, stopping Hamilton from being an eight -time champ in the process.
Glory in Abu Dhabi would have made him the most successful driver in F1, with the Brit currently locked on seven titles with the legendary Michael Schumacher.
However the title will be staying in the hands of Verstappen.
The pair were level in the drivers’ standings heading into the final race on Sunday – but there was drama right at the end.
Hamilton led by more than ten seconds and looked to be cruising towards the race win until the barely believable sequence of events unfolded.
Verstappen though grabbed his opportunity by the scruff of the neck and becomes the first non-Mercedes driver to win the title in eight years.
