Max Verstappen has been confirmed as Formula 1 world champion after Mercedes fail with two protests regarding his victory in Abu Dhabi.
Earlier in the day, Verstappen won a title-clinching race on the last lap, a consequence of a safety car and a beneficial interpretation of the situation from the leading race director.
Lewis Hamilton, who had led from start to finish, appeared to be in a position where he could win an eighth world title behind the safety car, but five lapped cars were given permission to overtake the safety car.
That allowed Verstappen, on the fresher tyres, to successfully overtake Hamilton and win the world title in the most controversial of circumstances.
Mercedes immediately protested, claiming that Verstappen had marginally overtaken Hamilton while the safety car was out and questioned why only a selection of cars were allowed to pass the safety car, leaving three behind the battle which ultimately ensued.
However, regardless of both protests highlighting infringements to the regulations, the initial result has been allowed to stand.
Mercedes have the right to appeal the decision ahead of the official trophy ceremony taking place on Thursday.
Darren Plant
