With Verstappen racing on fresher tires, there was very little Hamilton could do. In weird conditions, Verstappen was crowned the new Planet Winner, stopping Hamilton from beating Schumacher’s file and claiming his eighth world title. It was just one of the most extraordinary finales we’ve at any time viewed, but the final decision sparked a sizeable backlash from F1 fans.
Soon after the race, Mercedes challenged the stewards, lodging two protests about an earlier incident in which Verstappen passed Hamilton below the Security Car and the final lap controversy. Both were dismissed, but Mercedes intended to enchantment the final decision. When the FIA has admitted the actions have “tarnished” the image of F1 and is launching an investigation, Mercedes won’t be having further action.
