Max Verstappen keeps F1 world title as Mercedes' four-hour protest dismissed
Hamilton had appeared in control of the race and on course for the title himself, despite controversy on the first lap, until a late safety car. The race was restarted with one lap to go with Verstappen on fresh tyres and Hamilton on old ones, and the Dutchman swept by to win.
The victor screamed with delight, and Red Bull celebrated, while Hamilton sat in his Mercedes for several minutes, disbelieving at the way events had turned against him in the final minutes.
After he stepped off the podium as champion, Verstappen's celebrations were interrupted by Mercedes' protests, and he had to wait more than four hours until they could resume, though even then, Mercedes indicated they would appeal.
It was, in so many ways, a fitting end to one of the most significant and most contentious seasons in Formula 1 history - and the arguments over right and wrong will rage for some time to come.
0 Comment