Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain in leads Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands at the start of the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Dec. 12. 2021. Max Verstappen ripped a record eighth title away from Lewis Hamilton with a pass on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi GP to close one of the most thrilling Formula One seasons in years as the first Dutch world champion. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Abu Dhabi, December 16 (AP): Mercedes withdrew its appeal Thursday of the Formula One series finale in which Lewis Hamilton lost the championship to Max Verstappen.
Mercedes had filed two protests following Sunday's race, but both were dismissed. Mercedes then asked for reconsideration at the International Court of Appeal.
Mercedes was protesting over the use of the safety car following a crash with five laps remaining in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hamilton had a nearly 12-second lead with Verstappen in second when the crash brought out the yellow flag.
Verstappen pitted for fresh tires while Hamilton stayed on track. The race resumed with one lap remaining.
Verstappen then passed Hamilton to win his first world championship, denying Hamilton a record eighth title.
Mercedes said Thursday, ahead of the season-ending gala in Paris later in the evening, that it decided with Hamilton not to move forward with the appeal.
Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from news agency feeds and has not been edited by The Morung Express. (Source: PTI)
