The epic season finale of Formula 1 racing has ended with Dutchman Max Verstappen being crowned champion after a dramatic last-lap overtake of rival Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton took the lead immediately off the start line and had about a 10-second lead nearing the end of the race. But the field bunched up again after a crash and a controversial decision was made to allow lapped drivers to overtake the safety car.  That brought Verstappen back within hunting distance of Hamilton and he overtook his British rival with the end in sight. Hamilton’s Mercedes team has lodged a formal protest. The stakes couldn’t have been higher going into the race with the pair level on points. And to put some Aussie flavour into the high-octane mix, 20yo Melburnian Oscar Piastri has taken out the Formula 2 world title. He claimed 5 victories this season and will be a reserve driver with the Alpine Formula 1 team next year. “He didn’t just win, he dominated,” said Aussie driver Daniel Ricciardo, who finished 12th in the F1 championship overnight.