How F1 could have avoided Hamilton Verstappen last lap controversy

Former F1 driver turned pundit Karun Chandhok has put forward his suggestions as to how the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could have retained an "exciting finish" while being "more fair" to the championship rivals.

Max Verstappen clinched his maiden F1 world title on Sunday in dramatic and controversial fashion with the Dutchman benefiting from the questionable safety car restart process applied by FIA race director Michael Masi to jump Lewis Hamilton on the last lap.

As Red Bull celebrated, Mercedes protested and despite two separate protests being dismissed by the stewards, the threat of an appeal remains with the Silver Arrows registering its intent soon after the initial verdict was delivered on Sunday.

Putting his thoughts in writing on social media, Chandhok gave his thoughts on how the unsavoury ending to a thrilling campaign could have been avoided.

"Red flag the race when Latifi crashed and then have a four-lap sprint to the flag with everyone on fresh tyres," suggested the Sky Sports F1 pundit.

"Or, leave the lapped cars in between Lewis and Max so there would have been more of a contest on the final lap.

"I think Max would have passed the lapped cars in the first half of the lap and then been attacking Lewis in the second half of that last lap."

Mercedes is yet to submit its ground for appeal, the team have a 96-hour deadline imposed after delivering its intent, but Chandhok does not expect the championship result to change.

He added: "I understand why Mercedes are pursuing the case but I just can't see how the result can be overturned despite the questions around the procedure at the end."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 insider claims Max Verstappen exit clause now 'impossible' for Red Bull to block

• 13 minutes ago

Aston Martin handed simple solution to 2026 woes: 'Get the f*** on with it' says F1 legend

• 1 hour ago

Ferrari shares spike in €2.2bn boost after Lewis Hamilton triumph

• 2 hours ago

F1 star under pressure as THREE drivers fight for 2027 seat

• 3 hours ago

F1 News Today: Max Verstappen flies to Red Bull HQ as Mercedes U-turn announced

• Today 15:59

Max Verstappen reveals new look

• Today 15:55