MUST-SEE: Watch Verstappen’s scintillating last-lap pass on Hamilton to claim race lead in Abu Dhabi
He’s been on the back foot, he’s been on the front foot – but when it mattered, Max Verstappen did everything in his power to claim victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, winning it on the last lap with a dramatic pass over title rival Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen had looked set to finish P2 for much of the race, a result that would have seen the title going to Hamilton, who’d jumped the Dutch driver at the start.
But a late crash for Nicholas Latifi brought out a Safety Car – an on Lap 58 of 58, Verstappen, having pitted for softs, dived down the inside of Hamilton at Turn 5 to claim the lead, the victory, and his first drivers’ title.
Watch the moment Verstappen became champion in the video above.
Next Up
Related Articles
Hamilton to get new Ferrari race engineer for 2026 season
Team Previews 2026All you need to know about Red Bull
F1 AcademyAlpine retain Gademan for second F1 ACADEMY campaign
The 10 youngest drivers to race in F1 – and how they fared
F1 AcademyPUMA select Rachel Robertson for 2026 season
Bottas’ best moments from his 2025 ‘gap year’