‘Let them race’: the jaw-dropping photos from the Max / Lewis F1 showdown

Two world-class drivers went into the final race of the season tied on points. Only once has this ever happened before and the thought of how this race would pan out created an incredible hype around the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were going into the Yas Marina Circuit head-to-head after one of the most gripping years in F1 history. The rivalry between the two has created magic - and the grand finale was no different. This was easily one of the most dramatic ends to a rollercoaster year and we take a look at the best (and most teeth-clenching) moments of the race in photos.

Britain's Lewis Hamilton for F1 Team Mercedes started out second, behind his Dutch rival Max Verstappen for Red Bull Racing. But, as they turned the first corner, it seemed the lead was his.

Nothing was predictable in this race and Max Verstappen had other ideas for his foe. The 24 year old Red Bull driver brought his car down the inside, completely forcing Hamilton off the track. Many watched as time seemed to move in slow motion with many wondering if that was the end of it all for the Brit. Hamilton took a wide swerve, cut the corner and took the lead.

As many are aware, there have been a few moments in this race that many have questioned in the rule books. Hamilton's clear corner-cutting (despite being pretty much pushed off the track) was a dubious circumstance for many who were sat watching, wondering if there would be repercussions for the huge advantage Hamilton had just gained. The stewards, however, decided that the incident was unworthy of investigation and let it slide.

Nothing would stop Lewis Hamilton now. The race seemed a sure win for the Mercedes driver as time rolled on after that theatrical start. Hamilton was gaining ground and, with most of the race still to go, it seemed the seven-time World Drivers' Championship winner would soon be claiming his eighth title and surpassing the great Michael Schumacher in the history books.

However, there was another twist in the story when Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Perez from Mexico, decided to step in and help his partner get closer to victory. As Hamilton was leaving the pit after a change of types, Perez did a fine job of stalling the reigning champion. Hamilton was held up behind the Red Bull, until he finally overtook his rival's teammate and moved on with the race.

Hamilton passed Verstappen's teammate. Despite Red Bull bringing Verstappen into the pit for fresh tyres during a virtual safety car two-thirds of the way through the race, it still looked unlikely that he would be able to pass the Brit. Hope for Verstappen fans was waning.

Kimi Raikkonen of Finland who was driving the Alfa Romeo for Ferrari hit the wall and swerved out of control. It was an unfortunate end to the race for the seasoned professional. A virtual safety car was introduced in the race.

Nicknamed 'The Iceman', Kimi was forced to concede a race retirement. This, for many watching, was a sad way for the driver to end his career as he pulls out of F1 altogether.

There were only five laps to go when Nicholas Latifi hit the wall. After a good spray of a fire extinguisher, the car had to be removed from the track, along with its debris. This brought out a full safety car. Verstappen, who really had nothing to lose at this point, stopped again for new tyres.

The two rivals were behind the safety car, but not one behind the other as, between them, sat the cars they were lapping. Hamilton had already managed to overtake 5 of the backmarkers and it seemed sure to everyone that he was on track to win the race sat behind a safety car. The stewards decided the back markers would not be able to pass the safety car - a critical decision going against any hope of Verstappen taking the title.

The world watched as Nicholas Latifi's car was lifted off the track, but it seemed as though the race was already won. Many were thinking there might be time for one lap of racing once the rubble was removed from the track, but it wouldn't exactly be a 'photo finish' as Verstappen had one lap to overtake 5 backmarkers while Hamilton would surely drive freely towards the finish line.

It was seconds after the the Williams wreckage was cleared away and the world was waiting for one lap of racing before Hamilton would clasp his eight trophy, when an extremely last minute decision from race officials permitted the backmarkers to pass the safety car. Seconds before the safety car was removed and they were able to start racing again, Verstappen had moved directly up to the leader’s rear wing. It would be a race to the finish line.

Of course, this last minute change in the rules had the Mercedes team fuming. Team Principal, Toto Wolff, was seen frantically calling into the microphones (He was seen mouthing, 'No, Michael, no!') to find out what was happening and why the cars were permitted to overtake the safety car. The radio response was simple: 'Let them race'.

So the rivals were rubbing tyres waiting for the safety car to pull away. Verstappen had the advantage with only a recent change of tyres, whist Hamilton, although on an old set of tyres, looked as though nothing could stop him.

The safety car was removed and the two world-class drivers pushed their cars into gear and raced for the finish line. It was a moment everyone seemed to watch in slow motion as Verstappen overtook Hamilton.

The change of tyres was a huge advantage for Verstappen and he managed to reach the chequered flag first. It was second place for Hamilton. There was a new champion.

Decisions seemed to finally go Max Verstappen's way and he drove to the winner's position squealing with joy with his teammates down the radio. The elation was taken over by huge surges of emotion, leaving Verstappen unable to control himself as he stepped out of his car, knelt on the floor and then, when he finally took off his helmet, sobbed.

Max Verstappen from the Netherlands has become the first Dutch F1 winner, bringing a lot of pride to his country and the Red Bull team, who have had a rollercoaster ride this season.

When the race finished it seemed Hamilton would never get out of his car. He was in such a state of shock and disbelief over the last minute rule changes that he seemed frozen in place. He finally got out of his vehicle, took a deep breath and managed to give an eloquent interview and accept his fate gracefully.

Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari also had great reason to celebrate on the podium. He raced well, without mistakes and flew into third place behind Hamilton.

McLaren driver Norris congratulated the Dutch winner. He had finished back in seventh but, despite the jolly front to the now-champion, he admitted he was uncertain if the correct decision had been made. According to the Express, Norris said: "I'm not too sure what was said from the FIA... the FIA suddenly changed their minds and they were allowed to let us past. That's where I'm not so sure. For it to end like that, I'm not so sure."

Red Bull team boss was, of course, certain the correct decision had been made. Christian Horner joined his driver, Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing on the podium and celebrated by his side. In interview, they both spoke of the bond in the team, with Verstappen saying he would be with them for 'his whole life'.

Chris Horner's wife, Geri Horner (previously Haliwell), was there to support her husband and his Red Bull team. They both took a microphone to say thanks for their unwavering support of each other and confirmed to many that the win was really a team win for the whole Red Bull family.

The race winner and 2021 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen shared a special moment with his father Jos Verstappen before he took his place on the podium.

Mercedes launched two protests in response to the last minute decisions. Stewards have dismissed the protests and Mercedes could possibly fully appeal the decision. But, at least for now, Lewis Hamilton stays in the second position on the podium.