One year on from F1's shocking Abu Dhabi finale

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On this day twelve months ago, Formula 1 was rocked by the biggest controversy in its over seventy-year history.

F1 fans were expecting a thrilling showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen as the pair went into the final race of the season at Yas Marina equal on points in the Drivers' championship.

The décor was planted for a battle royale between the Mercedes charger and his Red Bull nemesis, and for a memorable evening of racing.

But with six laps to go and Hamilton seemingly on course to enjoy his eighth world title, F1 race director Michael Masi turned the race on its head when he over-ruled F1's safety car procedures for the sake of offering fans a one-lap shootout between the championship's two protagonists.

Red Bull's decision to fit a fresh set of tyres on Verstappen's car while Mercedes kept Hamilton out on track inextricably sealed the Briton's fate when the race was relaunched with just 5.2km to go.

Verstappen went on to conquer his first world title but there were no real winners on that infamous evening when the FIA lost its way.

Twelve months on, wholesale changes have taken place at F1's governing body, but Hamilton and Mercedes are forever left to ponder what could have been.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.