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
Norris leads Verstappen during FP2 in Abu Dhabi
FIA Team Principals press conference – Abu Dhabi
McLaren prepared to use team orders in Abu Dhabi – Brown
‘The car is insane!’ – Bearman energised by Abu Dhabi showing
OFFICIAL RACE PROGRAMME - 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Madrid to host winter ‘Warm Up Party’ before 2026 Spanish Grand Prix