Paddy Power Honours Bets on Both Hamilton and Verstappen Winning F1 World Championship

After the controversy at the Formula 1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi yesterday, Irish Book Maker Paddy Power has paid out to punters who bet on Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen to win.

In the shock win for Verstappen in the closing stages of the race, Nicholas Latifi’s crash allows Verstappen to overtake Hamilton’s car to win the title leaving punters lost for words.

Outraged Fans

Hamilton fans were outraged at the decision with Mercedes protesting the decision but were rejected by Formula 1 officials. Although the decision stands, a legal fight will continue.

Initially, race controllers stated lapped cars are not permitted to overtake, but then announced those between the leaders, Hamilton and Verstappen would be required to overtake before the race resumed after the crash. Five drivers were able to overtake allowing Verstappen to shorten the gap between Hamilton, he then passed Hamilton and crossed the line claiming the title.

Hamilton took the decision well and congratulated Verstappen on his win, stating,” 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 proud of them and so grateful to be part of the journey with them. We gave everything this last part of the season, we never gave up.”

Verstappen said, “It’s unbelievable. I kept fighting the whole race. I had the opportunity in the last lap. It’s incredible, I’m still having a cramp. It’s insane.”

Paddy Power Pays both Hamilton and Verstappen Win

After the final decision, Paddy Power responded by paying out punters who had backed both Hamilton and Verstappen to win. In addition to this decision, Paddy Power will also  payout on both drivers to win the World Drivers Championship, stating, “No matter who you back, we can just put our hands calmly on your shoulders and say, it’s ok, you have not lost.”