Lewis Hamilton blow: Nico Rosberg overtakes Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
NICO ROSBERG overtook Max Verstappen on Lap 21 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to put him in perfect position to seal his first F1 Drivers' World Championship, beating Lewis Hamilton.
TIGHT race between Verstappen and Rosberg heats up
Verstappen spun on the very first lap of the race to put him at the back of the field.
But the Dutch teenager flew through the field and up to second as the majority of the front-runners pitted.
But Verstappen stayed out on his qualifying tyres and held up Rosberg significantly.
The German had started the race in second behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton who needed to put at least two cars between the two Mercedes.
The Red Bull of Verstappen was fulfilling that role but as the tyres started to age he could hold off Rosberg no longer.
And on Lap 21 the Mercedes, urged on by his team, produced a brilliant move to get him back into second place behind leader Hamilton.
It was a significant blow for Hamilton, who started the race knowing even if he won, he would need Rosberg to finish fourth in order to overhaul the 12-point gap.