Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen decide the world championship in the last race

Lewis Hamilton sat exhausted on a folding chair with a towel in front of his face. Max Verstappen had to endure a few whistles and no longer understood the Formula 1 world. In the crazy premiere race in Saudi Arabia with crashes, safety car phases and interruptions, Hamilton prevented the premature coronation of the Dutchman. The completely poisoned World Cup duel now comes to the Hollywood-style final on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. “I’ve been driving for a long time, but that was incredibly tough,” emphasized Hamilton: “With all my experience, I tried to keep the car on the track.”

After a five-second penalty and multiple uncompromising attacks against the Briton, Verstappen had to admit defeat to the Formula 1 defending champion in the adrenaline race on Sunday. Only second place. “A lot has happened that I don’t agree with,” grumbled the Dutchman.

Hamilton and Verstappen tied on points before the last race

Hamilton drew level with the 24-year-old on points, it was his third win in a row, enhanced by the fastest lap in the rousing horsepower thriller with extra length. Verstappen only stays ahead at Red Bull because of the larger number of wins.

With a demolished front wing after an unbelievable collision, Hamilton saved himself to the finish of a more than memorable race on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, in which Mick Schumacher retired early in the Haas and Sebastian Vettel also had to give up in the Aston.

Hamilton start made to measure

Everyone had suspected and feared it. And already on the grid it became clear how close this course is. In qualifying, Verstappen made unpleasant acquaintance with the barricades when he struck on his splendidly fast lap. Nerves in the Dutchman’s psychological duel with Hamilton?

From lofty heights, the members of the royal family saw a tailor-made start for Hamilton and his teammate Valtteri Bottas, who finished third in the end. No attack possible for Verstappen, who started with just eight points more than his opponent. Nevertheless, winning the title early was possible for him.

Mick Schumacher causes chaos

After an almost boring beginning, Mick Schumacher’s crash triggered the chaos spiral. The safety car had to go. Mercedes brought in both cars to change tires. Verstappen stayed outside and took the lead in front of Hamilton and Bottas. The risky tactical trick seemed to be worth it. Because it took too long to recover the Haas wreck, the race was interrupted.

Hamilton radioed: “Does that mean he can change tires?” The Mercedes box replied: “Unfortunately Lewis, that’s the way it is.” So the advantage of Verstappen. “We gambled too much,” grumbled Hamilton. His race engineer only replied meekly.

Verstappen leaves the route

16 minutes after the demolition, the cars started rolling again to the standing start: This time Hamilton got away better from second place on the inside, pulled into the curve before Verstappen, who left the track to successfully counter the attack – a clear violation of the rules because himself Gave Verstappen an advantage.

Hamilton even had to brake so that Esteban Ocon also passed. There was time enough to look at the pictures immediately afterwards: there was a crash at the back, among other things, Schumacher’s colleague Nikita Masepin retired, as did Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull.

Red Bull and Mercedes are negotiating with race management

Another interruption. And now also a top-class radio to-and-fro. Race management to Red Bull, Red Bull to race management, race management to Mercedes with the result: An investigation of the incident and thus a presumed five-second penalty would be waived if Verstappen let Ocon and Hamilton by. Verstappen and Red Bull did that, but put on the slightly faster and softer tires.

Third start in the penultimate race: And the rubber bill worked. Verstappen showed that he is not afraid of the risk in such a decisive race, he got away best and shot past Hamilton inside to first place. But Hamilton put pressure on it. And it escalated. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff slammed his headphones on the table in anger. Verstappen had obviously cut the gas when Hamilton wanted to pass again – the Brit touched the rear tire of the Red Bull.

The team had told Verstappen to hand over the position. The Dutchman had previously countered another attack and left the track. After the crashes at Silverstone and Monza, the poisoned duel reached a new dimension. Verstappen let Hamilton pass again, but attacked directly again. The race management had enough: he received a five-second penalty. In the end, Hamilton crossed the finish line first, with Verstappen pouting second.