Max Verstappen has finally taken to social media to celebrate becoming the F1 drivers’ champion after winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Dutchman overtook Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the race following a controversial safety car decision. Mercedes launched two appeals after the race;  claiming Verstappen overtook Hamilton behind the safety car, and that the rules were not applied correctly regarding lapped cars being allowed to unlap themselves when Masi removed the safety car with one lap to go. To the Dutchman and Red Bull’s relief, both of Mercedes’ protests were rejected – though the team have now lodged an intent to appeal the safety car decision. Mercedes claimed the safety car decision was a breach of the FIA’s sporting regulations and requested the results be put back to the end of the penultimate lap, but the stewards dismissed the protest.

Follow MotorMouth on social media:

• 
• 
• 
•