F1 fans were braced for contentious moments as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale got under way. And they got it straight away, as title protagonists Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen duked it out on the opening lap at Yas Marina.
An ace start from P2 on the grid saw Hamilton expertly jump pole-sitter Verstappen to take the lead.
But a lunge from Verstappen into Turn 6 then saw Hamilton take to the run-off, with the Mercedes driver then re-emerging into the lead. And despite Verstappen’s protestations that Hamilton should give the place back, the stewards later decided that no investigation was necessary.
LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Watch the race start in the video above.
Next Up
Related Articles
Domenicali on looking at 'right adjustments' to regulations
BettingHow Perez is building a solid platform for Cadillac
The state of play at Aston Martin
Bernd Maylander on reaching 500 races as the Safety Car driver
The World Champion whose style was as daring as his driving
Herta to take part in four FP1 sessions with Cadillac in 2026