Lewis Hamilton wins Saudi Arabian GP after raging at "f****** crazy" Verstappen

12/05/2021

Lewis Hamilton survived a dramatic collision with title rival Max Verstappen to win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and set up a remarkable grandstand finish in Abu Dhabi next weekend.

The two racers head into that final race with exactly the same number of points after Mercedes ace Hamilton won the race and set the fastest lap in Jeddah.

The relationship between the two title-chasers has been nearing breaking point over the past few weeks, and tempers flared once again at this new venue with several flashpoints involving them.

Hamilton started on pole with team-mate Valtteri Bottas second, as they got a reprieve in qualifying when Verstappen ruined what looked a blistering qualifying lap by hitting the wall with two corners to go on his flying lap.

There was another scary moment for Verstappen at the start of the race itself, as a lock-up on the front left from team-mate Sergio Perez almost led to a crash between them, but the Mexican was able to avoid contact.

It did mean, however, that Mercedes were able to enjoy their ideal start, with Hamilton leading and Bottas second as every car came through the opening stages unscathed.

But that all unravelled as a result of the race's first major incident on lap 10, when Mick Schumacher careered into a tyre wall and out of the race, leading to the safety car being brought out.

Mercedes called Hamilton and Bottas in for a double-stack, both being fitted with the hard tyres, while Red Bull opted to keep Verstappen out so he could have the lead from the restart and hope for another safety car later in the race.

As it turned out, Verstappen was given an even better hand by race director Michael Masi, when he decided it was necessary to red flag the race so the barrier could be fixed – giving the Dutchman the chance to change his tyres without losing any time or race position.

But chaos ensued as soon as the race restarted, as Hamilton got the better start and was ahead into turn one, but Verstappen pushed his way through by going off the track – with Esteban Ocon slipping in to take advantage and move into second.

And the red flags were waved again moments later when Perez was spun by Charles Leclerc and Nikita Mazepin smashed into the back of George Russell.

As Verstappen had overtaken illegally, Red Bull were offered the chance by Masi to accept a third-placed start behind new leader Ocon and Hamilton in second, which the team accepted – the stewards did not need to get involved.

Red Bull's luck would change again on the second restart, though, as Verstappen pulled off a daring move up the inside on the first corner to retake the lead.

Hamilton made light work of getting past Ocon, but had to be more patient when it came to reeling in his title rival.

The all-out action was disrupted by frequent virtual safety car periods, with debris on the track causing too much of a risk to drivers in the view of race director Masi.

With 12 laps to go Hamilton got his chance and moved past with the help of DRS, but Verstappen moved across at Turn 1 to force the Briton wide in a move labelled "f***ing crazy" by Hamilton.

But the most drama came when Verstappen was told to give the position back and slowed down, but Hamilton ploughed into the back of him and took heavy damage to his front wing.

Verstappen was given a five-second penalty and ceded the position back to Hamilton, leaving the Briton to make it through to the chequered flag in first and set up a thrilling final race in Abu Dhabi.

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