Max Verstappen wins F1 championship in season closer, Mercedes launches appeal

However, Hamilton led the entire race until the final lap.

Mercedes has launched a protestagainst the decision, arguing it was a breach of regulations.

TheFIA dismissed the protestlate Sunday, withMercedes now appealingthat decision.

Verstappen finished the season on 395.5 points, while Hamilton finished on 387.5.

Both rivals started the race with 369.5 points.

Rounding out the top five were Perez on 190 and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz on 164.5 points.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas won the 2021 constructors' championship, with both of its drivers in the top three.