Saudi Arabian GP: Lewis Hamilton beats Max Verstappen to keep F1 Championship hopes alive

Reigning Formula One world champion and Mercedes Driver Lewis Hamilton beat his rival Max Verstappen in inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on Sunday. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen would have clinched his maiden world championsip title had he won race.

However, he was stalled by Hamilton, who is eyeing his 8th world title. After Sunday's result, both drivers are level on points at 369.5 and title race will see a final showdown at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit, which is last race of this incredible season.

Hamilton passed his Red Bull rival with six laps remaining in dramatic Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 30-kilometre street circuit will definitely be counted as one of most memorable races of this season. race witnessed three standing starts, a pair of restarts, multiple safety cars, virutal safety cars and an intense back-and-forth between title contenders including a late collision.

Red Bull were allowed to negotiate a penalty for Verstappen while Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff was seen slamming his headset in a fit of r. As race continued, Hamilton drove into back of his title rival before ultimately passing Verstappen for win.

After race, current world champion questioned as to why Verstappen hit his breaks in a sudden manner, that led to Hamilton running into back of Red Bull. Hamilton also opined that Max Verstappen "is over limit for sure". In addition, he also remarked that he has avoided colliding on many occassions.

“It was clear that ors around were willing to take it to all sorts of levels to overtake,” Hamilton said after race, with Verstappen sat right next to him. “We’ve seen multiple incidents this year.” he added 

However, Verstappen was of a different view and spoke out about penalities given to him. He also spoke about some of decisions that were made by F1 stewards this year. “What happened today is unbelievable,” he said.

“I’m just trying to race. This sport is more about penalties than racing. So for me this is t Formula One but at least fans enjoyed it.” said Max Verstappen.

With yet ar stellar victory in Jeddah, Hamilton has plans to back down w as world championship is within his reach yet again. If Brit wins ar world title, he will surpass Michael Schumacher to stand alone on top of or F1 greats.

However, Verstappen too seems to be in mood to give up as he eyes his first world title. In Sunday's race, he was penalised for going off course on second restart, and was later told to yield position to Hamilton. That is when Hamilton ran into his back, leading to a dam in front wing of his Mercedes.

“t just this race (but) in general, lately, (it's) trend in F1. That’s t how I grew up watching Formula One,” said Verstappen about some decision by Stewards this season.

Max Verstappen penalised for causing Hamilton collison

Max Verstappen was penalised by F1 stewards after y found him at fault and for causing a collision with his Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton. stewards found out that collision occured due to his "erratic braking". refore, Red Bull driver was handed a 10-second time penalty after race, which still keeps him in second place. stewards also expressed that both drivers could have done more. However, y concluded that Verstappen was "predominantly at fault". 

" stewards heard from driver of Car 33, driver of Car 44 and team representatives, reviewed video and telemetry evidence and determined that driver of Car 33 was predominantly at fault,"  statement read.

With AP inputs