THE climax to yesterday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - and ultimately the 2021 Formula One season – will go down as one of the most remarkable in the sport's long history.

From Max Verstappen's early overtake attempt to the safety car drama of the final lap, which ended up costing Lewis Hamilton a record breaking eighth world title, it was a race that began and ended with controversy, seemingly only fitting giving the nature of this year's championship fight - one of the most dramatic in years.

For whatever reason, when you talk about the greatest British sporting stars of all time, Hamilton doesn't always get the recognition he deserves, remarkable considering he was one lap away from overtaking Michael Schumacher's record to become the greatest F1 driver ever.

The British public tend to choose and warm to their favourite sporting stars when they see humility and emotion - take Andy Murray's tears on Centre Court after his Wimbledon final defeat in 2012.

Perhaps Hamilton's classy and dignified response to agonisingly missing out on the title will finally provide him the love and respect he deserves.