Leader Hamilton was comfortably clear of Dutch star Verstappen and cruising to the title — until the safety car had to come out. Verstappen was even able to get fresh tyres and close the gap on Hamilton — before streaking past him when the race resumed for one last lap. During the season, Verstappen and Hamilton had a titanic tussle for the F1 title, with skirmishes at Silverstone, Monza and in Saudi Arabia before their explosive finale. Verstappen, 24, said: “Sometimes we did hate each other — but that’s fine — that is the competitive spirit both of us have.

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