Second Mercedes protest rejected, Max keeps F1 Title

Mercedes’ protests following Formula 1’s controversial, title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have been dismissed by the stewards.

It means the result of the race stands and Max Verstappen is both the race winner and world champion, so long as Mercedes does not appeal the verdict. Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the final lap of the race after a late safety car period and a controversial decision by FIA race director Michael Masi to restart the grand prix immediately after allowing the five lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen on the road to unlap themselves.

Hamilton had been leading comfortably before the safety car and was on course to win his eighth world championship, while Red Bull rolled the dice under the late caution period and stopped Verstappen for soft tyres. That gave the Dutchman the decisive advantage when the race resumed the way it did. Mercedes launched two protests, one against the classification established at the end of the competition based on the safety car protocol not being followed and one against Verstappen briely overtaking Hamilton while behind the safety car preparing for the restart.

Both have been thrown out by the stewards.

Not fair, it was Hamilton’s race: Narain

“How the entire situation unfolded, it seemed like they wanted Max to win. It was a great battle for the championship but what happened yesterday it wasn’t sport. You need close battles in Formula 1 but it has to be fair at the same time,” said Narain Karthikeyan.