Max Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton at lap 57 at the Yas Marina Circuit to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, making him the winner of this season’s World Championship title, his first. Verstappen started the race from pole position but was quickly overtaken by Hamilton, who has the lead for almost the entire duration of the race. But the race had to be stopped at lap 57, the penultimate lap. By the time the race was restarted, Hamilton, on old tyres, was quickly overtaken by Verstappen, who had fresh tyres, and went on to win the race.

The Abu Dhabi GP was such a good way to end what has been a wonderful season. The rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton added such an intense but interesting side to the sport this season, with Verstappen going home with the title. Mercedes tried to protest after the race, which caused things to be delayed by hours. They also said they would launch an appeal over alleged breaches of FIA sporting regulations. But that may not change anything.

After the race, Hamilton stayed in his car for a few minutes, recollecting his thoughts. He had the lead go to the final minutes. Red Bull’s decision to change Verstappen’s tyres was what gave them the edge as Mercedes refused to pit Hamilton as that would have forced him to give up his lead. That decision did not help them, however, as Verstappen still went on to overtake and win the race.

By winning the world title, Verstappen has now become the first Dutchman to win it. This is also the first year, since 2017, that Hamilton did not win the title. With seven world titles, on par with Michael Schumacher’s record, Hamilton was hoping to with a record eighth title, but he would now have to wait for another season before achieving that. But Mercedes did not end the season empty-handed as they won the Constructor’s Championship title.

Written by: Leon Osamor