In what has been the most competitive Formula 1 season in years, it is only fitting that Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton's fight for the championship came down to the very last lap. Verstappen ultimately came out on top to claim his first ever Formula 1 Driver's Championship. Hamilton, on the other hand, missed out on what would have been a record eighth title.

Verstappen started the race in pole position, but Hamilton took the lead after a better start. While Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez led for a few laps, Hamilton dominated most of the race. The pace of the Mercedes seemed too much for Verstappen and Red Bull.

Hamilton looked set to claim his eighth world title until the last few laps of the race. All it took was a Nicholas Latifi crash and the safety car that followed to put some pressure on Hamilton. During the safety car delay, Verstappen took the chance to change his tires.

After lapped cars were allowed to clear the safety car, Verstappen took back his racing position at second. The stage was set for a nail-biting final-lap race between him and Lewis Hamilton, which Max Verstappen ultimately won with his fresh tire advantage.

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The end to the race was controversial, and Verstappen knows luck was on his side in those final laps (via The Guardian):

“It’s unbelievable!”says Verstappen. “Finally, a bit of luck … for me.” He also says that it’s incredible, that his team know he loves them, and he hopes he can keep doing this for 10-15 years.”

However, no controversy takes away the fact that this was an incredible achievement for the Dutchman. Verstappen's win ends Lewis Hamilton's dominance of the Driver's Championship. Who knows? This could be the first Formula 1 title of many for Max Verstappen.