Max Verstappen overtakes Lewis Hamilton to secure maiden driver’s title
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the Formula One Championship, denying Lewis Hamilton a record eighth title, with a last-lap overtake to win a season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Pix on Sunday.
Hamilton’s Mercedes team took the constructor title for an unprecedented eight-year in a row but their run of double dominance was denied by the 24- year- old Dutch driver.
Max Verstappen tweeted, “Now I’m going to enjoy this. Orange army-you were amazing once again. I hope you all enjoy this as much as I do.”
Hamilton and Verstappen started side by side for the final lap around Yas Marina Circuit and the British Driver took the lead. Verstappen stalked Hamilton through the first four turns then made his pass in turn five and pulled away in his Red Bull.
Hamilton had the race well under control until the Latifi crash.
The two drivers headed into the season finale with the level point of (369.5). Before the winner took it, all race began, Verstappen found himself in an advantageous position as he started on the pole. It marked the first time the contenders were equal at the season finale since 1974.
Verstappen screamed “Oh My God!” on his radio, to which Red Bull boss Christian Horner replied “You are the world champion! The “World Champion”
“Let’s do this for another 10-15 years.” Verstappen Said, “Congratulations to Max and to his team, I think he did an amazing job this year,” Hamilton received a long hug from his father, who then went to the garage and hugged both Verstappen and his father. Verstappen’s father was also an F1 driver.R
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