ABU DHABI: Max Verstappen has broken Lewis Hamilton’s grip on motor racing’s Formula I world title but it took another chaotic and confusing race day.

Eventually stewards rejected two protests from Hamilton’s Mercedes team after a dramatic climax the Abu Dhabi GP saw Dutchman Verstappen head the outgoing world chappion.

Mercedes may yet take their appeals further.

Red Bull director Christian Horner said: “It’s disappointing we had to go through that but I’m proud of Max and the whole team. He’s the world champion and the deserving world champion.”

Mercedes lodged two official protests following an incredible title decider that ended with Verstappen passing Hamilton on the very last lap. One was regarding the restart procedure from F1 race director Michael Masi, and another alleging that Verstappen overtook Hamilton under the Safety Car.

The team were particularly infuriated by the fact five of the lapped cars that initially separated Hamilton and Verstappen under the Safety Car were allowed to un-lap themselves before the race soon restarted again for the final lap, which Verstappen had a huge tyre advantage for.

The stewards deliberated for over three hours before dismissing both protests.

Mercedes have 96 hours to launch an official appeal.

Coincidentally, that timeframe takes them up to Thursday night when Verstappen is due to be crowned champion at the FIA Awards Ceremony.

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