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
BettingBarcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix betting guide and odds
Who are the youngest winners of the Monaco Grand Prix?
Agreement reached on proposed F1 regulatory changes
ExclusiveHakkinen on why Leclerc was right to re-sign with Ferrari
What time is the 2026 Barcelona GP and how can I watch it?
Who impressed our judges at the Monaco Grand Prix?