F1's last lap controversy: How Max Verstappen grabbed world title from Lewis Hamilton - and how the world reacted

Formula 1's winner-takes-all decider in the desert always had the potential to be controversial. But no one expected drama quite like this. 

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen denied Lewis Hamilton a record eighth world title on Sunday, becoming the first Dutch driver ever to win the Formula 1 world title, after one of the most dramatic and chaotic final laps to a season the sport has ever known.

Hamilton, who entered the race level on points with his rival, had claimed the lead from pole-sitter Verstappen into Turn 1. And after a controversial first-lap incident, appeared to be cruising to victory.  

But a late crash by Williams’ Nicholas Latifi brought out the safety car with five laps remaining, and Red Bull took a quick decision to bring Verstappen into the pits for a fresh set of tyres. 

When the 24 year-old came back out he had five cars between himself and Hamilton, who were all lapped.

As the final laps ticked down while the marshals cleared the track, frantic discussions took place between the teams and the race director Michael Masi over whether the lapped cars would be allowed to unlap themselves.

It was going to be a controversial call either way.

Initially teams were told they would not be allowed to, with Verstappen remarking “typical” when he was informed. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was also heard over the radio asking Masi: "Why are we not getting these lapped cars out of the way?" and Masi responded: "Just give me a second, my main aim is to get this incident clear."

Race director Michael Masi eventually allowed the five lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to overtake, pitting the two championship rivals without anyone between them