Verstappen's Victory At The Abu Dhabi GP Is Considered Controversial, Harry Kane Speaks: Weird Rules

Harry Kane (Twitter @HKane)

JAKARTA - Max Verstappen's victory to win the Formula 1 title in the closing series of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix caused various reactions, when a number of people criticized the race director and steward's decision.

Verstappen overtook Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton on the final lap to win the race following the end of a controversial safety car period.

A number of public figures outside the racing world have also criticized, such as Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane who says the championship has been snatched from Hamilton's hands.

"I'm no expert on this but I feel there was a strange rule that gave an unfair advantage today? Why should Hamilton be penalized for someone else's crash" Kane said on Twitter.

"He obviously raced perfectly under the greatest pressure and had the world championship snatched away from him. It's a shame it had to end like that."

I’m new to F1 and it’s been amazing to watch Lewis and Max battle it out. I’m no expert on it but I feel like there’s some bizarre rules that give an unfair advantage like today ? Why should Hamilton be penalised for somebody else’s crash?

— Harry Kane (@HKane) December 12, 2021

Meanwhile, George Russell, who will join Mercedes next year, firmly said the result was unacceptable.

"Max is a fantastic driver who has had a great season and I have great respect for him but what happened is completely unacceptable," Williams tweeted.

"I can't believe what we just witnessed."

Former world champion Damon Hill also criticized race director Michael Masi's decision.

"It's a new way of running races where the race director can make ad hoc decisions," Hill said.

However, Verstappen's achievements have received praise from a number of drivers, one of whom is three-time world champion Jackie Stewart who congratulated the 24-year-old rider.

"I think it's great that we have a new world champion because Lewis has had a great run," Stewart told Eurosport.

"Red Bull and Max combine very well and I think they will see enormous success in the future."