![Max Verstappen wins title after last-lap overtake of Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/59AC/production/_122065922_maxverstappen.jpg)
Red Bull's Max Verstappen won his first Formula 1 world title in dramatic circumstances at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Lewis Hamilton had appeared to be in control of the race and on course for the title, despite controversy on the first lap, until a late safety car.
The race was stopped with one lap to go and Verstappen on fresh tires and Hamilton on old ones, and the Dutchman swept by to win the race.
It was a fitting way to end one of the most contentious and controversial seasons in Formula 1 history, and the arguments over right and wrong will rage for some time to come.
While Verstappen screamed with delight and Red Bull celebrated, Hamilton sat in his Mercedes for several minutes, disbelieving at the way events had turned against him in the final minutes.
The historic title decider unfolded.
The 36-year-old had appeared to be in control of the race but was powerless to retain the lead.
The race appeared to be over for Hamilton after he was allowed to keep the lead he had earned with a better start than Verstappen despite going off track to retain his position.
Hamilton was imperious from then on, through a pit stop and a virtual safety car, until Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams with five laps to go.
If Verstappen did not do the same thing as Hamilton, Mercedes would not have been able to afford to pit Hamilton and he would have lost the lead.
Verstappen made the decision when Hamilton didn't stop for fresh tires.
The race director initially said that lap cars between Hamilton and Verstappen would not be allowed to un-lap themselves.
Verstappen was put in front of Hamilton for the last lap of the race after Masi changed his mind.
Verstappen passed Hamilton into Turn Five and held off his attempts to pass Hamilton down the two straights that followed and completed the lap.
Verstappen won the title after a season in which he and Hamilton have gone toe-to-toe, and despite the various incidents in the race, nobody would begrudge him the title.
For the eighth consecutive year, Hamilton will have to console himself with Mercedes' victory in the constructors' championship.
First-lap drama as well.
It was a fitting way to end a season that has been marked by on-track arguments between Hamilton, Verstappen and their teams.
For a long time, the year's destiny appeared to be heading towards Hamilton, as the race unfolded with Hamilton and Verstappen in a race and league of their own.
After Verstappen made a poor start from pole position, Hamilton was second on the grid, and the Mercedes was ahead before the first corner, there was a lot of drama.
Verstappen dived for the inside at Turns Six and Seven after tracking him through the first few corners.
Verstappen got down the inside of Hamilton but went in deep to the corner, his speed carrying him to the outside long before the second right-handed part of the corner.
Hamilton cut across the chicane and kept the lead.
He slowed a little over the rest of the lap to give back the advantage he thought he had gained, and the arguments started on the pit wall.
Verstappen said that he had to give it back.
Verstappen was "ahead and stays on track", according to the Red Bull radio.
Masi said that he had forced him off. The advantage was given back before the start of the race.
When Verstappen was told of the decision, he exclaimed: "That is incredible." What are they doing there?
The recriminations will continue for some time, especially as Verstappen came into the weekend complaining that he was being treated differently than other drivers by the stewards after the controversial Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last weekend.
Hamilton had the race.
The fundamental truth for much of the race was that once Hamilton had gotten by, he and Mercedes simply had too much pace for Red Bull and Verstappen, as they have for the last four races, all of which Hamilton has won to close the gap.
Red Bull tried everything they could to win the game.
They left Perez out and ordered him to hold Hamilton back.
Hamilton passed Perez in Turn Six on lap 20, but was then re- passed down the next straight.
Perez was ordered to "back him up" through the marina section of the track, and Verstappen closed the gap to 1.7 by the time Hamilton passed Perez a lap later.
Hamilton was able to get away again after a virtual safety car was deployed to clear the Alfa.
They wanted to get back at Hamilton over the final 20 laps.
The race appeared to be over until the late drama snatched it from Hamilton's grasp.
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