F1 fans were braced for contentious moments as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale got under way. And they got it straight away, as title protagonists Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen duked it out on the opening lap at Yas Marina.
An ace start from P2 on the grid saw Hamilton expertly jump pole-sitter Verstappen to take the lead.
But a lunge from Verstappen into Turn 6 then saw Hamilton take to the run-off, with the Mercedes driver then re-emerging into the lead. And despite Verstappen’s protestations that Hamilton should give the place back, the stewards later decided that no investigation was necessary.
LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Watch the race start in the video above.
Next Up
Related Articles
What the teams said – Friday in Mexico City
Hamilton reflects on ‘really unfortunate’ Mexico FP2 stoppage
UnlockedWin tickets to see McLaren Racing Live at the O2
Why Sergio Perez means so much to Mexico
UnlockedAre Ferrari the favourites after Friday practice in Mexico City?
Mekies predicts ‘one-off’ Mexico order in wind tunnel update