Double world champion Max Verstappen signed off on a dominant 2022&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;campaign with a record-extending 15th win of the year in Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as Charles Leclerc secured second in the overall standings. The Dutchman, who wrapped up the title last month in Japan with four races to spare, was unchallenged as he led from pole position to chequered flag. He crossed the line 8.7 seconds ahead of Leclerc, who having made just&nbsp;one&nbsp;stop, held on to second ahead of Verstappen’s two-stopping teammate Sergio Perez to edge him in their battle for second.&nbsp;

The pair had gone&nbsp;into the race level on points with Leclerc ahead on a countback of wins. Sunday’s victory was the 35th of Verstappen’s career and the second in a row at the Yas Marina track. However, unlike last season, it was a straightforward race that required no safety car interruptions. "Incredible to win again here and 15th win of the season - unbelievable," said Verstappen. "It's been really enjoyable to achieve something like this year, I know it will be hard to replicate but it is good motivation to try and do the same next year."

Perez, who completed a front-row lockout for Red Bull in qualifying, was unable to hand the team a&nbsp;one-two finish on Sunday. He chased down Leclerc at the end on fresher tyres but, delayed by slow-moving backmarkers, ran out of laps. "It's how it is sometimes," said Perez. "At the end of the day, I have to be happy as I gave it my all and I'm sure we'll be back stronger next year." Leclerc hailed a perfect race. "I was 110% from the first lap to the last lap," he said. "I knew the only way to beat Checo was with a different strategy."

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Carlos Sainz, who went wheel-to-wheel with Lewis Hamilton early in the race, was fourth for Ferrari ahead of Mercedes racer George Russell, who served a five-second time penalty for an unsafe release from his pitstop. Seven-time world champion Hamilton had his hopes of keeping intact his record of winning a race every season dashed by a hydraulics failure.

The Briton pulled into the pits to retire his Mercedes on the 55th of the race’s 58 laps. Mercedes's misfortunes, a week on from taking a resurgent&nbsp;one-two in Brazil, meant the formerly dominant champions were unable to overhaul Ferrari and had to settle for third behind the Italian team in the overall standings. Sebastian Vettel scored the final point in 10th on what has been an emotional swansong weekend for the Aston Martin driver.

The German raced hard from his ninth-place grid spot but a long first stint compromised him and dropped him down the field. He signed off with some tyre-smoking donuts on the start-finish straight. Daniel Ricciardo took points in his last race for McLaren with a ninth-place finish.

Fernando Alonso, replacing Vettel at Aston Martin next year, failed to finish his last race for Alpine but the French manufacturer still secured fourth in the overall team standings ahead of McLaren. Mick Schumacher, out of a drive next season after being replaced by Nico Hulkenberg at Haas, finished 16th ahead of teammate Kevin Magnussen.

He survived contact with Williams driver Nicholas Latifi, also out of a drive next year, that tipped both cars into a synchronised spin.

Double world champion Max Verstappen signed off on a dominant 2022 Formula One campaign with a record-extending 15th win of the year in Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as Charles Leclerc secured second in the overall standings.

Double world champion Max Verstappen signed off on a dominant 2022 Formula One campaign with a record-extending 15th win of the year in Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as Charles Leclerc secured second in the overall standings. The Dutchman, who wrapped up the title last month in Japan with four races to spare, was unchallenged as he led from pole position to chequered flag. He crossed the line 8.7 seconds ahead of Leclerc, who having made just one stop, held on to second ahead of Verstappen’s two-stopping teammate Sergio Perez to edge him in their battle for second. The pair had gone into the race level on points with Leclerc ahead on a countback of wins. Sunday’s victory was the 35th of Verstappen’s career and the second in a row at the Yas Marina track. However, unlike last season, it was a straightforward race that required no safety car interruptions. "Incredible to win again here and 15th win of the season - unbelievable," said Verstappen. "It's been really enjoyable to achieve something like this year, I know it will be hard to replicate but it is good motivation to try and do the same next year." Perez, who completed a front-row lockout for Red Bull in qualifying, was unable to hand the team a one-two finish on Sunday. He chased down Leclerc at the end on fresher tyres but, delayed by slow-moving backmarkers, ran out of laps. "It's how it is sometimes," said Perez. "At the end of the day, I have to be happy as I gave it my all and I'm sure we'll be back stronger next year." Leclerc hailed a perfect race. "I was 110% from the first lap to the last lap," he said. "I knew the only way to beat Checo was with a different strategy." Also read: FIFA World Cup: 'We feel this is...' - England to take a knee in their tournament opener vs Iran Carlos Sainz, who went wheel-to-wheel with Lewis Hamilton early in the race, was fourth for Ferrari ahead of Mercedes racer George Russell, who served a five-second time penalty for an unsafe release from his pitstop. Seven-time world champion Hamilton had his hopes of keeping intact his record of winning a race every season dashed by a hydraulics failure. The Briton pulled into the pits to retire his Mercedes on the 55th of the race’s 58 laps. Mercedes's misfortunes, a week on from taking a resurgent one-two in Brazil, meant the formerly dominant champions were unable to overhaul Ferrari and had to settle for third behind the Italian team in the overall standings. Sebastian Vettel scored the final point in 10th on what has been an emotional swansong weekend for the Aston Martin driver. The German raced hard from his ninth-place grid spot but a long first stint compromised him and dropped him down the field. He signed off with some tyre-smoking donuts on the start-finish straight. Daniel Ricciardo took points in his last race for McLaren with a ninth-place finish. Fernando Alonso, replacing Vettel at Aston Martin next year, failed to finish his last race for Alpine but the French manufacturer still secured fourth in the overall team standings ahead of McLaren. Mick Schumacher, out of a drive next season after being replaced by Nico Hulkenberg at Haas, finished 16th ahead of teammate Kevin Magnussen. He survived contact with Williams driver Nicholas Latifi, also out of a drive next year, that tipped both cars into a synchronised spin.

In-form Max Verstappen signs off with record-extending win in Abu Dhabi finale

Double&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;world champion Max Verstappen said he and his family had suffered online threats and abuse after he ignored team orders in Brazil last weekend, and blamed the media for making him look bad. The Red Bull driver assured reporters on Thursday he was a team player, and said he had a great relationship with Mexican team mate Sergio Perez, but the critics did not know the full story.

Despite saying he hoped they would&nbsp;one&nbsp;day know the details, he still refused to provide them ahead of the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen refused to help Mexican Perez at Interlagos by giving back a place late in the race when they were running sixth and seventh. The Dutch 25-year-old had nothing to gain or lose, having wrapped up his second title in Japan last month, while Perez is fighting Ferrari's Charles Leclerc for second place overall.

Red Bull, who have clinched the constructors' championship, have never finished a season with their drivers first and second and had asked Verstappen to let Perez pass after the Mexican earlier let him through in a failed chase for fifth. "It wasn't about the position...it was about something that happened earlier in the season," Verstappen said on Thursday, amid speculation -- which he would not confirm -- that he was referring to the Monaco Grand Prix won by Perez. "I already explained that in Mexico and the team understood and agreed. "We went to Brazil and I just thought we were just going to race and try to get the best possible result. We had a bit of a miscommunication on Saturday and Sunday, nothing had been said to me about a potential swap."

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Verstappen said the team should have known what his response would be when the matter was raised on the last lap, but everything had now been talked through and resolved. "After that race of course I looked very bad in the media," he said. "But also they didn't have the clear picture. To immediately put me down like that is pretty ridiculous. They don't know how I work within the team and what the team appreciates about me. All the things that I've read are pretty disgusting. "Even more than that, they (social media) started attacking my family. "They were threatening my sister, my mum, my girlfriend, my dad. And for me that goes way too far. If you have a problem with me, that's fine. But don't go after my family because that is just unacceptable. "When your own sister writes to you that it's getting way too much and you have to do something about it, I think that says enough," he added. "And then it does get to me because you cannot attack my family."

Red Bull spoke in a statement of death threats, hate mail and vitriol and said the abuse had to stop. Perez, who said on Sunday Verstappen had shown "who he really is", denied crashing deliberately in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix in May and said that race had not been discussed in the talks after Brazil.

Double Formula One world champion Max Verstappen said he and his family had suffered online threats and abuse after he ignored team orders in Brazil last weekend, and blamed the media for making him look bad.

Double Formula One world champion Max Verstappen said he and his family had suffered online threats and abuse after he ignored team orders in Brazil last weekend, and blamed the media for making him look bad. The Red Bull driver assured reporters on Thursday he was a team player, and said he had a great relationship with Mexican team mate Sergio Perez, but the critics did not know the full story. Despite saying he hoped they would one day know the details, he still refused to provide them ahead of the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen refused to help Mexican Perez at Interlagos by giving back a place late in the race when they were running sixth and seventh. The Dutch 25-year-old had nothing to gain or lose, having wrapped up his second title in Japan last month, while Perez is fighting Ferrari's Charles Leclerc for second place overall. Red Bull, who have clinched the constructors' championship, have never finished a season with their drivers first and second and had asked Verstappen to let Perez pass after the Mexican earlier let him through in a failed chase for fifth. "It wasn't about the position...it was about something that happened earlier in the season," Verstappen said on Thursday, amid speculation -- which he would not confirm -- that he was referring to the Monaco Grand Prix won by Perez. "I already explained that in Mexico and the team understood and agreed. "We went to Brazil and I just thought we were just going to race and try to get the best possible result. We had a bit of a miscommunication on Saturday and Sunday, nothing had been said to me about a potential swap." Also read: Mercedes to return in style next year, feels Lewis Hamilton ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Verstappen said the team should have known what his response would be when the matter was raised on the last lap, but everything had now been talked through and resolved. "After that race of course I looked very bad in the media," he said. "But also they didn't have the clear picture. To immediately put me down like that is pretty ridiculous. They don't know how I work within the team and what the team appreciates about me. All the things that I've read are pretty disgusting. "Even more than that, they (social media) started attacking my family. "They were threatening my sister, my mum, my girlfriend, my dad. And for me that goes way too far. If you have a problem with me, that's fine. But don't go after my family because that is just unacceptable. "When your own sister writes to you that it's getting way too much and you have to do something about it, I think that says enough," he added. "And then it does get to me because you cannot attack my family." Red Bull spoke in a statement of death threats, hate mail and vitriol and said the abuse had to stop. Perez, who said on Sunday Verstappen had shown "who he really is", denied crashing deliberately in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix in May and said that race had not been discussed in the talks after Brazil.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen blames media for making him look bad, lashes out at abuse

The controversial end to an epic title fight in the 2021 season has not gone down well with India's first Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan.

A series of questionable race control calls were made at the season finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday when Max Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton on the final lap to win his maiden title and deny the Briton a record-breaking eighth crown.

"How the entire situation unfolded, it seemed like they wanted Max to win. It was a great battle for the championship but what happened yesterday it wasn't sport. You need close battles in Formula 1 but it has to be fair at the same time," Karthikeyan told PTI.

Hamilton was cruising to victory when Nicholas Latifi's crash on lap 53 of the 58-lap race brought the safety car on to the track.

In a last throw of dice, Red Bull pitted Verstappen for soft tyres after the safety car was deployed while Hamilton stayed out on his worn out hard tyres.

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In what could go down as the most controversial call of the Formula 1 decade, race director Michael Masi allowed five backmarkers to unlap themselves on the penultimate lap, making it much easier for Verstappen to make the move on Hamilton.

As per the rules, the safety car should have gone back on the following lap which was the last lap of the race.

"Unless the clerk of the course considers the presence of the safety car is still necessary, once the last lapped car has passed the leader the safety car will return to the pits at the end of the following lap," the rule states.

The social media was a divided space post the finale with some calling Mercedes' race strategy too safe. However, Karthikeyan feels Mercedes were right to not let Hamilton pit following the crash.

"What Mercedes would have done, Red Bull would have done the opposite and stayed out to take track opposition so it was too risky. Lewis had so much pace and hard tyres had life of 50 laps so why should you give that up?

"Before the safety car the gap was still more than 11 seconds between Hamilton and Verstappen. What happened was not fair and Lewis would have been deserving eight time champion with due respect to Max who is a very quick driver," said the 44-year-old who race in Formula 1 over three seasons between 2005 and 2012.

Interestingly, Hamilton's race engineer Peter Bonnington had worked with Karthikeyan during the Indian's debut season with Jordan in 2005.

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"Lewis' race engineer was my race engineer during my first season with Jordan. He is a very clever guy and made all the right calls."

Like many after the title showdown, Karthikeyan also remembered former race director, the late Charlie Whiting, and said he would have handled the pressure situation much better.

"This is what happens when you are under pressure. He (Michael Masi) was being bombarded from all sides on the radio." 
So, what should be done going going forward?

"Each scenario is different. They need a strong a guy at the top. That is what everyone said if Charlie Whiting was there, it would be much more fair. He never relented to teams' pressure.

"On the open channel, he would have ignored the constant pushing from the teams and carried on with his job. These situations are bound to happen, the race control should have been more prepared for a situation like yesterday. It should not have ended the way I did.

"We can give them the benefit of doubt that he was not siding with anyone yesterday and the calls were just made under tremendous pressure and it went terribly wrong.

"If you leave all the controversy aside, Lewis surely deserved to win if you look at the race in general. It was definitely his race. So not a fair result," Karthikeyan added.&nbsp;

The controversial end to an epic title fight in the 2021 season has not gone down well with India's first Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan. A series of questionable race control calls were made at the season finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday when Max Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton on the final lap to win his maiden title and deny the Briton a record-breaking eighth crown.

The controversial end to an epic title fight in the 2021 season has not gone down well with India's first Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan. A series of questionable race control calls were made at the season finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday when Max Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton on the final lap to win his maiden title and deny the Briton a record-breaking eighth crown. "How the entire situation unfolded, it seemed like they wanted Max to win. It was a great battle for the championship but what happened yesterday it wasn't sport. You need close battles in Formula 1 but it has to be fair at the same time," Karthikeyan told PTI. Hamilton was cruising to victory when Nicholas Latifi's crash on lap 53 of the 58-lap race brought the safety car on to the track. In a last throw of dice, Red Bull pitted Verstappen for soft tyres after the safety car was deployed while Hamilton stayed out on his worn out hard tyres. ALSO READ: Max Verstappen's maiden Formula One World title Red Bull's biggest achievement so far: Christian Horner In what could go down as the most controversial call of the Formula 1 decade, race director Michael Masi allowed five backmarkers to unlap themselves on the penultimate lap, making it much easier for Verstappen to make the move on Hamilton. As per the rules, the safety car should have gone back on the following lap which was the last lap of the race. "Unless the clerk of the course considers the presence of the safety car is still necessary, once the last lapped car has passed the leader the safety car will return to the pits at the end of the following lap," the rule states. The social media was a divided space post the finale with some calling Mercedes' race strategy too safe. However, Karthikeyan feels Mercedes were right to not let Hamilton pit following the crash. "What Mercedes would have done, Red Bull would have done the opposite and stayed out to take track opposition so it was too risky. Lewis had so much pace and hard tyres had life of 50 laps so why should you give that up? "Before the safety car the gap was still more than 11 seconds between Hamilton and Verstappen. What happened was not fair and Lewis would have been deserving eight time champion with due respect to Max who is a very quick driver," said the 44-year-old who race in Formula 1 over three seasons between 2005 and 2012. Interestingly, Hamilton's race engineer Peter Bonnington had worked with Karthikeyan during the Indian's debut season with Jordan in 2005. ALSO READ: Max Verstappen wins Formula One world title after beating Lewis Hamilton to clinch Abu Dhabi Grand Prix "Lewis' race engineer was my race engineer during my first season with Jordan. He is a very clever guy and made all the right calls." Like many after the title showdown, Karthikeyan also remembered former race director, the late Charlie Whiting, and said he would have handled the pressure situation much better. "This is what happens when you are under pressure. He (Michael Masi) was being bombarded from all sides on the radio." So, what should be done going going forward? "Each scenario is different. They need a strong a guy at the top. That is what everyone said if Charlie Whiting was there, it would be much more fair. He never relented to teams' pressure. "On the open channel, he would have ignored the constant pushing from the teams and carried on with his job. These situations are bound to happen, the race control should have been more prepared for a situation like yesterday. It should not have ended the way I did. "We can give them the benefit of doubt that he was not siding with anyone yesterday and the calls were just made under tremendous pressure and it went terribly wrong. "If you leave all the controversy aside, Lewis surely deserved to win if you look at the race in general. It was definitely his race. So not a fair result," Karthikeyan added.

What happened in Abu Dhabi wasn't fair,it was Hamilton's race, says India's first F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan

Mercedes protested on Sunday after Red Bull`s Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and beat their seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton to the 2021 world title with a last lap overtake.

The team, who still secured the constructors` crown for a record eighth year in a row, protested two alleged breaches of the sporting regulations when the safety car was deployed late in the race.

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A statement from the stewards said Mercedes had protested "against the classification established at the end of the competition", arguing there was a breach of article 48.12.

Verstappen had back markers between him and Hamilton after pitting with the safety car deployed and time running out for racing to resume.

Race director Michael Masi decided that only the five lapped cars between the two title rivals should be allowed to unlap themselves, instead of all lapped cars as is the usual procedure.

In a second protest, Mercedes also argued that article 48.8 was breached with Verstappen`s car moving in front of Hamilton`s before racing resumed as he waited impatiently for the Briton to lead away.

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It is illegal to overtake, unless authorised to do so, while the safety car is on track.

Mercedes said they would make no further comment until after the hearing.

Mercedes protested on Sunday after Red Bull`s Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and beat their seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton to the 2021 world title with a last lap overtake.

Mercedes protested on Sunday after Red Bull`s Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and beat their seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton to the 2021 world title with a last lap overtake. The team, who still secured the constructors` crown for a record eighth year in a row, protested two alleged breaches of the sporting regulations when the safety car was deployed late in the race. ALSO READ: Max Verstappen wins Formula One world title after beating Lewis Hamilton to clinch Abu Dhabi Grand Prix A statement from the stewards said Mercedes had protested "against the classification established at the end of the competition", arguing there was a breach of article 48.12. Verstappen had back markers between him and Hamilton after pitting with the safety car deployed and time running out for racing to resume. Race director Michael Masi decided that only the five lapped cars between the two title rivals should be allowed to unlap themselves, instead of all lapped cars as is the usual procedure. In a second protest, Mercedes also argued that article 48.8 was breached with Verstappen`s car moving in front of Hamilton`s before racing resumed as he waited impatiently for the Briton to lead away. ALSO READ: Russia's Nikita Mazepin out of Abu Dhabi GP after positive COVID-19 test It is illegal to overtake, unless authorised to do so, while the safety car is on track. Mercedes said they would make no further comment until after the hearing.

Abu Dhabi GP: Mercedes protest after Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to win F1 title

Max Verstappen&nbsp;became the first Dutchman ever to win the&nbsp;Formula One&nbsp;world championship title when he won a dramatic season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Red Bull driver notched up a 10th victory of the season when he took advantage of a second safety car to overtake seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton on the final lap after Nicholas Latifi crashed.

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MAX VERSTAPPEN. WORLD CHAMPION!!! 
 
A stunning season by an extraordinary talent<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HistoryMade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HistoryMade</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Max33Verstappen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Max33Verstappen</a> <a href="https://t.co/FxT9W69xJe">pic.twitter.com/FxT9W69xJe</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1470039368467427328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Verstappen and Hamilton, who went into the race level on points, went whee to wheel to the chequered flag with the Dutchman edging the race.&nbsp;

Hamilton, who had won the three previous races, made the perfect start when he overtook Verstappen before by the first corner.

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The two then tangled on the first lap with Verstappen overtaking and forcing Hamilton wide off the track but the Mercedes driver cut across and rejoined the race in the lead.

He slowed to give back time but the stewards decided not to investigate the incident.

Hamilton built up a lead which was then threatened when Red Bull took advantage of a virtual safety car on lap 36 of 58 to switch to a new set of hard tyres.&nbsp;

Hamilton stayed out and saw the Dutchman erode his lead with every lap. Another safety car on lap 54 enabled Verstappen to pit again and switch to soft tyres.

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When the safety car came off, just one dramatic lap remained and the two began it neck and neck.&nbsp;

But the fresh tyres paid off for the 24-year-old Verstappen who surged through to win the race and the title to roars from the stands at the Yas Marina stands.&nbsp;

Max Verstappen became the first Dutchman ever to win the Formula One world championship title when he won a dramatic season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

Max Verstappen became the first Dutchman ever to win the Formula One world championship title when he won a dramatic season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. The Red Bull driver notched up a 10th victory of the season when he took advantage of a second safety car to overtake seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton on the final lap after Nicholas Latifi crashed. MAX VERSTAPPEN. WORLD CHAMPION!!! A stunning season by an extraordinary talent#HistoryMade #F1 @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/FxT9W69xJe — Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2021 × Verstappen and Hamilton, who went into the race level on points, went whee to wheel to the chequered flag with the Dutchman edging the race. Hamilton, who had won the three previous races, made the perfect start when he overtook Verstappen before by the first corner. ALSO READ: Russia's Nikita Mazepin out of Abu Dhabi GP after positive COVID-19 test The two then tangled on the first lap with Verstappen overtaking and forcing Hamilton wide off the track but the Mercedes driver cut across and rejoined the race in the lead. He slowed to give back time but the stewards decided not to investigate the incident. Hamilton built up a lead which was then threatened when Red Bull took advantage of a virtual safety car on lap 36 of 58 to switch to a new set of hard tyres. Hamilton stayed out and saw the Dutchman erode his lead with every lap. Another safety car on lap 54 enabled Verstappen to pit again and switch to soft tyres. ALSO READ: Max Verstappen on pole for title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton second When the safety car came off, just one dramatic lap remained and the two began it neck and neck. But the fresh tyres paid off for the 24-year-old Verstappen who surged through to win the race and the title to roars from the stands at the Yas Marina stands.

Max Verstappen wins Formula One world title after beating Lewis Hamilton to clinch Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Russian Formula One rookie Nikita Mazepin will not race in Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19, his Haas team said.

Mazepin will not be replaced and Haas will run with only one driver, Mick Schumacher, because rules prohibit a driver who has not taken part in at least one session from racing on Sunday.

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"Nikita is physically well, having been asymptomatic, but he will now self-isolate and adhere to the guidelines of the relevant public health authorities, with safety the ultimate priority for all parties concerned," the American team's statement said.

Mazepin, who was set to start last on the grid, is the eighth driver to have tested positive for COVID-19 since last season.

The 22-year-old, who will be staying at Haas alongside Schumacher next year, had appeared in a video released by Formula One on Saturday, urging people to get vaccinated.

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Formula One teams have operated in a protective bubble with regular testing since last year, though protocols have been eased and fans allowed back at races in high numbers.

Russian Formula One rookie Nikita Mazepin will not race in Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19, his Haas team said. Mazepin will not be replaced and Haas will run with only one driver, Mick Schumacher, because rules prohibit a driver who has not taken part in at least one session from racing on Sunday.

Russian Formula One rookie Nikita Mazepin will not race in Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19, his Haas team said. Mazepin will not be replaced and Haas will run with only one driver, Mick Schumacher, because rules prohibit a driver who has not taken part in at least one session from racing on Sunday. ALSO READ: Max Verstappen on pole for title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton second "Nikita is physically well, having been asymptomatic, but he will now self-isolate and adhere to the guidelines of the relevant public health authorities, with safety the ultimate priority for all parties concerned," the American team's statement said. Mazepin, who was set to start last on the grid, is the eighth driver to have tested positive for COVID-19 since last season. The 22-year-old, who will be staying at Haas alongside Schumacher next year, had appeared in a video released by Formula One on Saturday, urging people to get vaccinated. ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton wins Saudi Grand Prix, comes at par with Max Verstappen Formula One teams have operated in a protective bubble with regular testing since last year, though protocols have been eased and fans allowed back at races in high numbers.

Russia's Nikita Mazepin out of Abu Dhabi GP after positive COVID-19 test

Max Verstappen gained a potentially decisive advantage in his epic battle for the Formula One world title on Saturday by claiming pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Verstappen goes into the season-closing race level on points with Lewis Hamilton, who took second in qualifying to join the Red Bull driver on the front row.

Lando Norris was a surprise third to start on the second row alongside Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez.

The last six winners in Abu Dhabi have all started from the front of the grid, with Verstappen victorious from pole last year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-saudi-grand-prix-comes-at-par-with-max-verstappen-434539">Lewis Hamilton wins Saudi Grand Prix, comes at par with Max Verstappen</a>

Hamilton, seeking a historic eighth world title, was favourite to secure the final pole of 2021 after his Mercedes left Verstappen's Red Bull trailing in his wake in practice.

But after Red Bull's mechanics worked on Verstappen's car overnight, the Dutchman produced a blistering flying lap in Q3.

His time of 1min 22.109sec left Hamilton over half a second behind.

That forced the seven-time world champion back onto the heavily modified Yas Marina circuit for one last throw of the dice.

But although he reduced the gap to 0.371 at a venue where he is a five-time winner he could not knock his arch rival off the top of the grid.

"It's an amazing feeling, we definitely improved the car in quali," said Verstappen.

The 24-year-old added: "I'm incredibly happy with this. It's what we wanted but it was not easy with Mercedes' form. I'm looking forward to tomorrow, that's the most important."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f2-racers-enzo-fittipaldi-and-theo-pourchaire-taken-to-hospital-after-start-line-crash-video-434404">F2 racers Enzo Fittipaldi and Theo Pourchaire taken to hospital after start line crash: Video</a>

With the two drivers locked together on 369.5 points after 21 of the 22 races the stakes could not be higher for the duelling duo.

Aside from pole Verstappen has another advantage over Hamilton.

Should the pair end up all square -- (one finishes ninth, the other 10th with the fastest lap) - or fail to score any points then the title is his on the strength of his nine race wins to Hamilton's eight.

Max Verstappen gained a potentially decisive advantage in his epic battle for the Formula One world title on Saturday by claiming pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen gained a potentially decisive advantage in his epic battle for the Formula One world title on Saturday by claiming pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Verstappen goes into the season-closing race level on points with Lewis Hamilton, who took second in qualifying to join the Red Bull driver on the front row. Lando Norris was a surprise third to start on the second row alongside Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez. The last six winners in Abu Dhabi have all started from the front of the grid, with Verstappen victorious from pole last year. ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton wins Saudi Grand Prix, comes at par with Max Verstappen Hamilton, seeking a historic eighth world title, was favourite to secure the final pole of 2021 after his Mercedes left Verstappen's Red Bull trailing in his wake in practice. But after Red Bull's mechanics worked on Verstappen's car overnight, the Dutchman produced a blistering flying lap in Q3. His time of 1min 22.109sec left Hamilton over half a second behind. That forced the seven-time world champion back onto the heavily modified Yas Marina circuit for one last throw of the dice. But although he reduced the gap to 0.371 at a venue where he is a five-time winner he could not knock his arch rival off the top of the grid. "It's an amazing feeling, we definitely improved the car in quali," said Verstappen. The 24-year-old added: "I'm incredibly happy with this. It's what we wanted but it was not easy with Mercedes' form. I'm looking forward to tomorrow, that's the most important." ALSO READ: F2 racers Enzo Fittipaldi and Theo Pourchaire taken to hospital after start line crash: Video With the two drivers locked together on 369.5 points after 21 of the 22 races the stakes could not be higher for the duelling duo. Aside from pole Verstappen has another advantage over Hamilton. Should the pair end up all square -- (one finishes ninth, the other 10th with the fastest lap) - or fail to score any points then the title is his on the strength of his nine race wins to Hamilton's eight.

Max Verstappen on pole for title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton second

Nico Rosberg realised a dream and silenced his critics Sunday when he emulated his father Keke&rsquo;s achievement and claimed his maiden Formula One drivers&rsquo; championship.

But by beating his Mercedes team-mate and three-time champion Lewis Hamilton the usually-reserved Rosberg did far more than that.

In addition to persuading F1&rsquo;s veteran commercial ring-master Bernie Ecclestone to &quot;eat his words&quot; after saying that a Rosberg title win would be bad for business, he left several other pundits chewing furiously.&nbsp;

His father famously won only one race in his 1992 title triumph and a career total of five, but Rosberg swept to the title with nine wins this year.

It was emphatic proof that, despite all of Hamilton&rsquo;s reliability problems, he won the title on merit as much through dogged pursuit as a raw talent for speed.

Despite losing to Hamilton in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, his overall triumph against Hamilton reflected his character -&ndash; his refusal to concede, a relentless competitiveness and a cerebral attention to detail.

It also enabled Rosberg to exorcise the demons that appeared to inhabit his intense competition with Hamilton, a relationship which dates back to teenage karting days as team-mates, room-mates and rivals, which has exploded with collisions in the last four years.

In many ways, Rosberg&rsquo;s success -- and his identity as a champion -- has been defined by his relationship, and differences, with Hamilton.

Born to his Finnish father and German mother Sina in Wiesbaden, Germany, on June 27, 1985, Rosberg has raced for both Finland, briefly in his early career, and Germany. Yet, if anything, he is Monegasque and cosmopolitan.

He is a speaker of five languages with dual nationality from his parents, yet he does not speak Finnish thanks to his father&rsquo;s decision to bring him up without it.

And, far from having an easy life thanks to inherited wealth and privilege, he has, like Hamilton, always had a sense that he has much to prove.

His father Keke always stressed a need to be prudent.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve always wanted to achieve things on my own,&rdquo; he told The Guardian earlier this year. &ldquo;I hated buying jeans with my dad&rsquo;s money. I&rsquo;d buy the minimum for whatever was necessary.

&ldquo;My mum grew up after the war in Germany and she used to take cigarettes from the floor and smoke the last bit left by American soldiers. They had nothing. She grew up like that.&rdquo;

Like Hamilton, he was once managed by his father, but no longer.

Rosberg began karting aged six. He and Hamilton met as rivals in 1997 and became team-mates in 2000.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2002, he moved to the German Formula BMW championship and won the title.

His rise was a season ahead of Hamilton&rsquo;s parallel ascent of motor racing&rsquo;s ladder. As teenage rivals, both dreamt and laughed at the prospect of racing for the F1 world title.

Rosberg arrived in F1, with Williams, via the Formula 3 Euro Series and winning the inaugural GP2 title in 2005. He was partnered with Australian Mark Webber.

Williams had carried his father to the championship. For his son, however, blessed with flaxen hair and an easy charm, it was a harsh school for top-level competition.

The unforgiving Webber dubbed him Britney, after the pop singer Britney Spears. It was a soubriquet that branded Rosberg, only 20, with an image that took time to shake off.

Before joining Williams, he turned down a place at Imperial College, London, to study aeronautical engineering.

After Webber departed to Jaguar, Rosberg grew in confidence and claimed his first podium at the 2008 Australian Grand Prix, sharing the moment with a victorious Hamilton who had arrived in F1 with McLaren a year earlier.

In 2010, he moved to the rebranded Mercedes team created by the German manufacturer&rsquo;s takeover of the 2009 champions Brawn.

He recorded consistent finishes, mixed with accidents, as team-mate to returning Michael Schumacher before the seven-time champion&rsquo;s final retirement and the arrival, in 2013, of Hamilton.

Their partnership ignited the team&rsquo;s current spell of dominance. Though Hamilton beat him to be champion in 2014 and 2015, the methodical Rosberg has become the fourth driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix three times in a row and win seven races in succession.

His championship triumph maintains the virility of his competitive value in combat with Hamilton and caps a happy period in his personal life.

While Hamilton remains single and has a playboy image, Rosberg in 2014 married his childhood sweetheart Vivian Sibold with whom he has a daughter, Alaia, born in August last year.

(AFP)

Mercedes's Nico Rosberg finished second, behind his teammate Lewis Hamilton, to win the drivers' championship

Nico Rosberg realised a dream and silenced his critics Sunday when he emulated his father Keke’s achievement and claimed his maiden Formula One drivers’ championship. But by beating his Mercedes team-mate and three-time champion Lewis Hamilton the usually-reserved Rosberg did far more than that. In addition to persuading F1’s veteran commercial ring-master Bernie Ecclestone to "eat his words" after saying that a Rosberg title win would be bad for business, he left several other pundits chewing furiously. His father famously won only one race in his 1992 title triumph and a career total of five, but Rosberg swept to the title with nine wins this year. It was emphatic proof that, despite all of Hamilton’s reliability problems, he won the title on merit as much through dogged pursuit as a raw talent for speed. Despite losing to Hamilton in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, his overall triumph against Hamilton reflected his character -– his refusal to concede, a relentless competitiveness and a cerebral attention to detail. It also enabled Rosberg to exorcise the demons that appeared to inhabit his intense competition with Hamilton, a relationship which dates back to teenage karting days as team-mates, room-mates and rivals, which has exploded with collisions in the last four years. In many ways, Rosberg’s success -- and his identity as a champion -- has been defined by his relationship, and differences, with Hamilton. Born to his Finnish father and German mother Sina in Wiesbaden, Germany, on June 27, 1985, Rosberg has raced for both Finland, briefly in his early career, and Germany. Yet, if anything, he is Monegasque and cosmopolitan. He is a speaker of five languages with dual nationality from his parents, yet he does not speak Finnish thanks to his father’s decision to bring him up without it. And, far from having an easy life thanks to inherited wealth and privilege, he has, like Hamilton, always had a sense that he has much to prove. His father Keke always stressed a need to be prudent. “I’ve always wanted to achieve things on my own,” he told The Guardian earlier this year. “I hated buying jeans with my dad’s money. I’d buy the minimum for whatever was necessary. “My mum grew up after the war in Germany and she used to take cigarettes from the floor and smoke the last bit left by American soldiers. They had nothing. She grew up like that.” Like Hamilton, he was once managed by his father, but no longer. Rosberg began karting aged six. He and Hamilton met as rivals in 1997 and became team-mates in 2000. In 2002, he moved to the German Formula BMW championship and won the title. His rise was a season ahead of Hamilton’s parallel ascent of motor racing’s ladder. As teenage rivals, both dreamt and laughed at the prospect of racing for the F1 world title. Rosberg arrived in F1, with Williams, via the Formula 3 Euro Series and winning the inaugural GP2 title in 2005. He was partnered with Australian Mark Webber. Williams had carried his father to the championship. For his son, however, blessed with flaxen hair and an easy charm, it was a harsh school for top-level competition. The unforgiving Webber dubbed him Britney, after the pop singer Britney Spears. It was a soubriquet that branded Rosberg, only 20, with an image that took time to shake off. Before joining Williams, he turned down a place at Imperial College, London, to study aeronautical engineering. After Webber departed to Jaguar, Rosberg grew in confidence and claimed his first podium at the 2008 Australian Grand Prix, sharing the moment with a victorious Hamilton who had arrived in F1 with McLaren a year earlier. In 2010, he moved to the rebranded Mercedes team created by the German manufacturer’s takeover of the 2009 champions Brawn. He recorded consistent finishes, mixed with accidents, as team-mate to returning Michael Schumacher before the seven-time champion’s final retirement and the arrival, in 2013, of Hamilton. Their partnership ignited the team’s current spell of dominance. Though Hamilton beat him to be champion in 2014 and 2015, the methodical Rosberg has become the fourth driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix three times in a row and win seven races in succession. His championship triumph maintains the virility of his competitive value in combat with Hamilton and caps a happy period in his personal life. While Hamilton remains single and has a playboy image, Rosberg in 2014 married his childhood sweetheart Vivian Sibold with whom he has a daughter, Alaia, born in August last year. (AFP)

Abu Dhabi GP: Nico Rosberg wins maiden F1 world title

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