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Brit Lewis Hamilton won the premiere Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia, the penultimate event of the F1 series. In a dramatic race, he triumphed in front of his biggest rival, the Dutchman Max Verstappen of Red Bull. The Frenchman Esteban Ocon from Alpine finished third.
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Verstappen entered the race as a running leader and under certain circumstances could have won the championship before the final event of the season. However, Hamilton’s victory means that the winner of the 2021 season will be decided in the Abu Dhabi race, which is scheduled for Sunday, December 12th.
For the 7-time world champion, victory in Jeddah was 7th in the season and 102nd in his career. Before the final races of the season, Hamilton and Verstappen equally have 369.5 points.
Photo gallery
Formula 1: Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia – Max Verstappen
Source: reuters
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Qualifying winner Hamilton kept 1st place ahead of Bottas after the start. The third Verstappen withstood the attack of Leclerc. The British gradually increased the lead and after the 10th round he was ahead of Bottas by 8 seconds. However, Schumacher lost control of the monopost, crashed into a barrier and a safety vehicle hit the track.
The competitors used it to visit the pits. After three laps, the race directorate decided to hoist a red flag as Schumacher damaged the barrier too much in the crash. After the restart, Verstappen was in first place, but Hamilton overtook him after the fight. Shortly afterwards, however, Pérez, Mazepin and Russell collided and the race was interrupted again. Before the second restart, the order was led by Hamilton – Ocon – Verstappen.
Photo gallery
Formula 1: Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia
Source: reuters
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However, Verstappen’s restart went perfectly and took the lead. Hamilton attacked him several times, in the 37th round Verstappen came off the track when he had been vigorously guarding his position shortly before. The commissioners later penalized a 5-second penalty.
In the next lap, Verstappen braked on a straight line and seemed to be releasing Hamilton. He crashed into him and damaged his front wing. However, he continued to ride, then recorded the fastest lap and in the 44th lap he definitely got in front of his rival. Verstappen no longer had speed on worn tires and finished in 2nd place.
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