British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has lost his World Champion title to Red Bull's Max Verstappen. 

It is Verstappen's first Formula One World title, beating Mercedes driver Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix final. 

The title would have been a recording-breaking eighth for Hamilton. 

The Dutch World Champion needed some luck after being behind Hamilton throughout the race.

The race came down to a nail-biting last lap after a safety car came on to deal with a Nicholas Latifi crash and Verstappen changed his tyres.

He and leader Hamilton had a final-lap head-to-head race which saw Verstappen take the top spot. 

After the race, Verstappen said: "It's insane. I don't know what to say. I'm so pleased for the team and for all these guys.

"I love working with them so much. Finally today I had a bit of luck. My team know I love them and I want to do this with them for the next 10 or 15 years!"

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Hamilton (PA)Hamilton (PA)

Hamilton said: “Congratulations to Max and his team. I think we did an amazing job this year.

“Everyone back at the factory and here worked so hard in this most difficult of seasons. I’m so proud of them and so grateful to be part of the journey with them.

“We gave it everything this last part of the season, we never gave up.”