Hamilton was overtaken b🎐y Verstappen into Turn 5 on Lap 58 on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Verstappen benefitted from a controversial late Safety Car period which allowed him to switch to sof💙ts, while Hamilton remained out on his worn hards.

Initially, it looked as if Hamilton was going to take the title as FIA race director Michael Masi decided that cars couldn’t unlap themselves, meaning there ⛎were five c𒀰ars between Hamilton and Verstappen.

However, last-minute, 💞Masi allowed five of the eight lapped cars through, giving Verstappen a clear run at Hamilton to take the title.

Once Hamilton got out 🌃of his car, he showeಌd great sportsmanship as he congratulated Verstappen, while father Anthony was quick to embrace Max and his father, Jos.

13-time F1 winne꧃r and current Channel 4 pundit 🎐David Coulthard said Hamilton’s reaction "is a fantastic example to sportsmen and women out there on how to handle defeat.

"He'll clearly be disappointed, to say the least, but you♈'ve got to try and imagine putting yourself in his shoes; he is a great racing driver, he's won multiple championships and he's overcome adversity in his racing care🀅er," .

"This is just another one of those moments that will not dilute the many great moments in his career. He is a fantastic example to sportsmen and women out there on how to handle defeat. He recognised the challenge of Verstappen and these are the moments that he lives for. Yes, he would have w💫anted to win but he showed his brilliance once again."

1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti described Hamilton’s behaviour after the ra༺ce as a “masterclass on♓ how to be the best in every way”.

“The Lewis Hamilton masterclass on how to be the best in every way. A champion who wins most days & shows the world how to behave & sta⛦y composed when situations aren't kind to you. LH brings his A-game even when his soul is ripped out.  Strength. Control of spirit. Role model.”

Current Red Bull test and reserve driver Alexander Albon also cr💃edited Hamilton: “Huge respect to Lewis Hamilton - a class act on & off track.”

Former F1 driver and Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok said: “Incredibly gracious words by Lewis Hamilton with Jenson Button after the race. This must be so painful for him - great example𝄹 of sportsmanlike be🦄haviour.”

The wider sporting world chipped in with their praise for the sev༒en-t🍌ime champion.

Former England footballer and current BBC presenter, Gary Lineker said: “Wonderfully generous and dignified reaction from Lewis Hamilton. He really is very special, on the track, and off it. Class act to t꧂he end.”

Two-time Olympic champion boxer Nicola Adams, wrote: “Gracious in defe🅺at, true sportsman! But we know who the real winner is, Lewis Hamilton.”

TV presenter Pie﷽rs Morgan added: “Incredibly gracious reaction by Lewis Hamilton - he’s such a class act on & off the track, and never gets the full respect he deserves for being one of Britain’s greatest ever sportsmen.”

Former Top Gear pres♌enter, Jeremy Clarks🦄on commented: “Very very dignified from Lewis Hamilton.”