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Leclerc in Russia

Leclerc: Verstappen-Hamilton season finale "the best F1 could have hoped for"

Leclerc in Russia — Photo: © LAT Images

Leclerc: Verstappen-Hamilton season finale "the best F1 could have hoped for"

The Ferrari driver believes the thrilling but controversial end to the 2021 season was a boost for the sport's profile

Charles Leclerc believes the Max Verstappen-Lewis Hamilton battle on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was "the best F1 could have hoped for."

The world championship race went to the last lap of the season, as Verstappen took advantage of a safety car deployment to overtake Hamilton and claim his maiden F1 driver's title.

Following the arrival of a safety car with five laps remaining, the FIA announced that lapped cars would not be allowed to overtake after Nicholas Latifi's car had been cleared from the track, following a collision with the barriers.

Race director Michael Masi then reversed his decision and allowed the five lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to pass the safety car, leaving the Dutchman in behind Hamilton and on fresher tyres.

Verstappen was able to pass Hamilton to take the chequered flag, and speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, Leclerc declared his feeling that the outcome had been good for F1.

He said: "To have the last race, on the last lap, is unbelievable.

"But I think it's the best that F1 could ask for. It's great to see that and congratulations to Max, he's been incredible."

Leclerc finished the race in P10 as Ferrari look to next season in an effort to be competitive with Mercedes and Red Bull.

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