Max Verstappen rubs salt in Lewis Hamilton's wounds as swanky requests revealed

Max Verstappen has rubbed salt into Lewis Hamilton's wounds courtesy of the changes he has made to his helmet ahead of the new F1 season. Verstappen landed his first F1 title last year after defeating Hamilton in controversial fashion at the final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.

Last season's F1 title race proved to be one of the most intense contests ever. Verstappen held a 32-point lead over his title rival in the summer and appeared to be home and dry with four races of the calendar remaining.

But Hamilton rallied as he won in Brazil, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to set-up a winner-takes-all final race in the desert.

The rivals went into the season climax level pegging as Hamilton aimed for a record eighth championship.

And the Briton looked set to make history as he overtook his nemesis on the first lap and led for most of the Grand Prix.

But the race was thrown wide open after Williams' Nicholas Latifi crashed into a wall late on, which resulted in a safety car being deployed.

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Verstappen pitted for fresh tyres during the delay, but Hamilton was unable to follow suit without risking his tack position.

Five cars between the two protagonists were then allowed to overtake and move clear ahead of the restart, with Verstappen then given permission to pull level with the Briton for a one-lap shootout.

And the Dutchman took full advantage of his fresh tyres as he overtook the Mercedes ace and stormed to victory.

There was outrage across the sport after the controversial ending - and Hamilton has been silent following his initial post-race interviews.

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