MERCEDES have launched two protests to F1 bosses after Lewis Hamilton was pipped to the world title on the final lap of the season.
The British superstar was overtaken by championship rival Max Verstappen after a controversial safety car decision at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Hamilton was leading at the Yas Marina circuit before a safety car on lap 54 when Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers threw up one final dramatic twist.
Dutch flier Verstappen chased down Hamilton on the final lap having earlier pitted for fresher tyres than the Merc man.
The safety car entered the pit lane with one lap remaining – and that freed up Verstappen for one final crack at the leader Hamilton.
But there was controversy surrounding the timing of the safety car’s withdrawal after several of the lapped cars were allowed past.
Merc are protesting against overtaking under the safety car and on safety car procedural rules.
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