Race director Michael Masi had initially instructed that lapped cars could not overtake the safety vehicle until it left the track at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, meaning there would not have been time for Verstappen to close in on his rival.
However, under pressure from Red Bull boss Horner, Masi then changed his mind, allowing the cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to unlap themselves before ordering the safety car off the track.
Therefore, the Dutchman could get on the British driver’s tail before overtaking him in a one-lap shootout, benefiting from driving on fresh tyres, while Hamilton was left to defend on hard compound tyres over 40 laps old.
Will Hamilton come roaring back and reclaim his crown next season? Or will Max Verstappen add another world title to his cabinet?