Verstappen crowned world champion despite Mercedes' protests

Max Verstappen is the first Dutchman to win the Formula One title

Max Verstappen crossed the line first after a thrilling final lap battle against Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen emerged from a Formula One season like no other as a worthy world champion, the Dutch driver prising the crown from Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the final race on Sunday.

The road to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was marked by moments of high drama, but no one could have predicted the best would be saved till last.

The German team, which had the consolation of winning an unprecedented eighth consecutive constructors' title, announced their intention to lodge one final appeal, so the drivers' title could still end in the hands of lawyers.

As the 36-year-old Briton coasted towards a win that would have bettered Michael Schumacher's seven world crowns, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was heard to say: "We need a miracle."

When racing resumed for the 58th and closing lap, Verstappen on his fresh tyres barged past Hamilton to take the chequered flag and his first title, sparking joy on the Red Bull pitwall and fury at Mercedes.

Sure enough, the men from Mercedes lodged appeals against the result.

Long after the spectators had departed the Yas Marina track, an FIA hearing delivered its verdict, rejecting the protests to confirm Verstappen as the first Dutchman to lift the crown.

Latifi's crash and the subsequent safety car had effectively set up a one-lap 'penalty shoot-out' for the title.

It was a compelling end to a championship for the ages, played out over 22 spell-binding acts from Bahrain to Baku, Austin to Abu Dhabi.

Hamilton was magnanimous in defeat, embracing his nemesis and saying: "Congratulations to Max and his team.

Verstappen and Hamilton had approached the winner-takes-all denouement in the desert level on points. It was the first time two title rivals had been in that position since 1974.

Fittingly the title protagonists filled the front row in Abu Dhabi with Verstappen on pole after a flying lap in qualifying.

The Dutch driver lunged to reclaim the lead on Turn Seven, forcing his arch-rival off the track.

After various pit stops, a barnstorming performance by Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez to frustrate Hamilton when the Mexican temporarily held the lead, and a virtual safety car, it looked like Hamilton would emerge victorious.

Verstappen's fans in the Netherlands erupted in celebrations.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte tweeted it was "a historic day for Dutch sport".

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Originally published as Verstappen crowned world champion despite Mercedes' protests