Max Verstappen wins first F1 world title after dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ending

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has won his first Formula One championship after beating Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes in late drama at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Verstappen started in Pole position but Hamilton went off track early in the first lap to overtake him. The former world champion led the race throughout and was set for his record-breaking 8th title until a crash threw a safety-car in the works with only four laps to go.

Verstappen used the window of opportunity to overtake the Brit in the 58th and final lap, clinching his first world title after 22 races in one of the most remarkable F1 seasons in history.

Hamilton ended up trailing the Dutchman by 2.256 seconds in the one hour and thirty-minute battle. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz finished third to complete the podium.

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