Lewis Hamilton took a dramatic victory within the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to take a slender lead over bitter rival Max Verstappen within the F1 title race with only one race to go.
There have been three standing begins, two crimson flags, 4 digital security automobiles, a number of drivers crashing out and countless bickering over crew radio.
The 2 main drivers even got here into contact twice within the closing levels, with race director Michael Masi compelled to placate each groups over the radio.
Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas clinched third place, narrowly edging out Alpine’s Esteban Ocon on the road.
Hamilton began the race on pole place with Verstappen’s dramatic crash in qualifying on Saturday gifting Bottas second place.
It was a clear begin for the 2 Mercedes however extra dramatic for Pink Bull, with Sergio Perez practically coming into contact along with his teammate after Verstappen locked up going into the primary nook.
The 2 Mercedes seemed to be driving residence their benefit till Mick Schumacher’s crash on the tenth lap led to the primary main shake-up within the order of issues.
Hamilton and Bottas each got here into the pits for a change of tyres, whereas Verstappen gambled by staying out on observe.
That call instantly appeared to repay for the Pink Bull. With stewards nonetheless struggling to clear up the wreckage of Schumacher’s Haas, the crimson flags got here out which handed Verstappen a free pitstop and the lead.
Hamilton was incensed, asking his crew radio: “Why is that crimson flagged? The tyre wall seems high-quality. That’s bulls**t. That’s unbelievable, man.”
The automobiles then returned to the beginning grid for a second standing begin of the night, which was much more dramatic than the primary.
Hamilton made a flying begin and had the lead heading into the primary nook, however Verstappen reduce throughout the second nook, sending his championship rival large and permitting Ocon to take second spot.
In the meantime there was extra carnage behind. Nikita Mazepin was the second Haas to spin out, with the Williams of George Russell and Verstappen’s Pink Bull teammate Perez becoming a member of him.
One other crimson flag. Race director Michael Masi stepped in to barter the formation for the third begin, with Pink Bull agreeing that Verstappen would drop again to 3rd, behind Hamilton and shock new chief Ocon.
Pink Bull additionally requested Masi to have a “good look” at Hamilton supposedly… CleanBowled.in Abstract information.
