Formula 1 fans were involved in shocking violent scenes during the Abu Dhabi GP, with some spotted hitting each other with champagne bottles.
The 2023 season came to a close at the Yas Marina circuit on Sunday, with Max Verstappen claiming a 19th success of the campaign to cap another title triumph. There was very little jeopardy on the track as the Dutchman finished almost 18 seconds ahead of runner-up Charles Leclerc.
But there were some chaotic scenes among the supporters in Abu Dhabi., with a host of spectators filmed involved in a shocking brawl during a VIP party, with security forced to intervene.
Footage has emerged showing a group of people clashing in an area surrounded by red rope, with multiple men seen piling in with punches and others throwing bottles. Several women are seen in the footage attempting to calm tensions.
The DJ at the event can be heard appealing for security to move over to the area as they attempted to separate those involved in the brawl. They eventually managed to calm the scenes and drag those involved away, although it remains unclear what specifically sparked the shocking scenes.
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Like the members of the VIP party, Lewis Hamilton may also not have fond memories of the Abu Dhabi race. He slumped to a ninth-placed finish as he failed to overtake Sergio Perez in second in the standings.
Despite that, Mercedes still managed to secure the runners’-up spot in the constructors’ standings. Asked if he takes any satisfaction from that achievement, Hamilton had a particularly downbeat response.
He replied: "Not particularly. Not too much. It's not been a great year in general. The fact I survived it [is the biggest positive for him to take]. Probably that's about it."
Hamilton was then probed if he believes that Mercedes could challenge Red Bull next season. He replied: "At this moment, I don't really know.
"For Red Bull to win by 17 seconds and they haven't developed their car since August is definitely a concern. We have learned a lot about the car and it's just down to the team now. They know what they need to do. Whether or not we will get there, we will see."
Hamilton remains under contract with Mercedes until the end of the 2025 season having only agreed an extension back in August.
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