UAE leaders, Ivanka Trump, Usain Bolt and other famous names at Abu Dhabi GP - in pictures

Max Verstappen wins 2021 world championship after controversial finish at Yas Marina Circuit

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, speaks with Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad at the Paddock Club on the last day of the 2021 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Rule of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, at Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attends the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Sprinting legend Usain Bolt and West Indies cricket icon Chris Gayle at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Reuters

Former Trump administration officials Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump at Yas Marina Circuit before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Geri Horner, former member of the Spice Girls, and wife of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

Formula One great Jackie Stewart with Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Reuters

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas in the paddock with his girlfriend and cyclist Tiffany Cromwell. Getty

Columnist and model Kelly Piquet, partner of new world champion Max Verstappen, at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

Rapper Stormzy looks on from the grid before the Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty Images

George Russell of Williams arrives at the paddock at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

A flypast at Yas Marina Circuit before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Getty

The 2021 Formula One season witnessed one of the most specular, albeit controversial, finishes as Max Verstappen clinched the world title at the last lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

Red Bull driver Verstappen trailed Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton for most of the race at the Yas Marina Circuit. But a fortuitous crash by Nicholas Latifi with five laps to go brought out the safety car and the championship battle took a new turn as race director Michael Masi decided to let all lapped cars pass before resuming racing.

That allowed Verstappen, who was on fresher and faster tyres after a strategic pit stop, chase down Hamilton to win the race and the driver's championship.

"It's unbelievable," said the 24-year-old Verstappen. "Throughout the whole race I kept fighting then there was the opportunity in the last lap, it's incredible.

"I don't know what to say. My team and Honda deserve it."

Verstappen also thanked his teammate Sergio Perez, who played a key part in the win, and his Red Bull team.

"Finally a bit of luck for me. I also want to say thank you to Checo [Perez], he's been a brilliant teammate.

"My team know I love them. I hope we can do this for 10, 15 years together. I don't want to change ever. I want to stay with them for the rest of my life, if they will have me."

The enthralling race was witnessed by a number of famous names. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, were at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Also present were former US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka, sprint great Usain Bolt, West Indies cricket icon Chris Gayle, and actor Gerard Butler, among others.