What a drama! Verstappen wins the F1 world championship amid the controversial last-lap showdown with Hamilton

The Dutch F1 driver Max Verstappen is the new world champion after a shocking late overtake to defeat his contender Lewis Hamilton!

The late safety car enabled Verstappen to surpass Hamilton in the very last seconds of the dramatic showdown in Abu Dabhi.

This is the first title for the driver from the Netherlands.

Max Verstappen was ecstatic after the win: 

"It's unbelievable! Throughout the whole race, I kept fighting and to have an opportunity on the last lap. It's insane!

"I don't know what to say. My team and Honda, they deserve it. I love them so much, and I really really enjoy working with them. This year has been incredible.

"Finally, a bit of luck for me.

"My team know I love them, and I hope we can do this for 10-15 years together. There's no reason to change ever, I want to stay with them for the rest of my life. I hope they let me.

Two titans after the battle (©Gallo images)

On the other hand, Hamilton demonstrated an immense fair-play after a crushing defeat to a 24-year-old rival.

"Firstly, congratulations to Max and to his team. I think we did an amazing job this year. My team, everyone back at the factory, have worked so hard this whole year. It's been the most difficult of seasons. I'm so proud of them, and I'm so grateful to be a part of the journey with them.

"This last part of the season, we gave it absolutely everything and never gave up."

Hamilton appeared to be heading for his record eighth crown after leading from the start, but a late crash for Nicholas Latifi's Williams brought out the Safety Car and created all manner of drama to an incredible season.

With protestations from the Mercedes pit wall, the race resumed on the final lap of the race and season and Verstappen overtook Hamilton down the inside at Turn Five to take the win and the crown away from his Mercedes rival.