Hamilton wins and everything will be decided in the last race

(Reuters) – Lewis Hamilton He won the Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia on Sunday that was suspended twice and this way the Formula 1 World Championship goes to the final showdown, a battle between the Mercedes driver and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

On a chaotic night in Jeddah, the race almost had many twists and turns like the season, roller coaster of collisions, safety cars, red flags, allegations of dirty driving, penalties, collisions and angry conversations with Race Director Michael Massey.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton earned the fastest extra lap point even with Verstappen with 369.5 points after 20 races.

One race to go. Zero points at that.

Who wins?!#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 # F1 pic.twitter.com/6RfnXMutH7

– Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021

The final round of the season will be at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi on December 12th.

However, Verstappen, who finished second and Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) third, is leading 9-8 in wins, which means the 24-year-old Dutchman will be champion if neither score another point.

“I tried to be as tough as possible, but I’m also sane and with all my racing experience over the years just keeping the car on track and clean,” said Hamilton after his 103rd career win.

The Briton started from pole position, but lost twice to Verstappen on restart.

The Dutch driver was eventually ordered back into the lead, having swerved when Hamilton tried to pass, but when he slowed, Hamilton hit him, accusing his rival of “brake test”.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner defended his driver, saying on the radio: “I don’t know why he hit you like that, it just didn’t make sense.”

The Verstappen hosts awarded a five-second penalty, but Hamilton made it irrelevant to overtaking with seven laps remaining.

Mercedes was furious with Massey, saying they had not given time to inform Hamilton that Verstappen had been asked to take the place back, and Verstappen was also furious.

“What happened today is amazing and this sport is more about penalties than racing. For me, this is not Formula 1,” said the Dutchman, who was voted driver of the day by fans.