New Zealand driver Brendon Hartley has just missed out on crucial points at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Monday (NZ time), in a race that has been overshadowed by post-race controversy.
Hartley, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Saturday, finished 11th, as world champion Lewis Hamilton cruised to another victory.
Starting in 16th, Hartley managed to work his way up to 10th on Lap 43, but he couldn't maintain that position and had to settle for 11th.
On a positive note, he finished ahead of Toro Rosso teammate Pierre Gasly, who was 13th.
Hamilton claimed his 10th victory of the season, only after Red Bull's Max Verstappen collided with Force India's Esteban Ocon during the 44th lap and spun out.
Verstappen was leading and on course for a superb win, when he collided with Ocon, trying to lap him.
The collision - for which Ocon was punished by the stewards - enabled Hamilton to reclaim the lead and win the race.
But after the race, cameras caught Verstappen shoving Ocon in the garages. Ocon claimed that Verstappen tried to punch him.
"I was really surprised by the behaviour of Max afterwards, with the FIA having to intervene," he said. "He pushed me and wanted to punch me, and that is not professional.
"I'm used to the fights with Max. He's always been the same - it goes back a few years."
Verstappen said he deserved to win.
"We did everything today," said Verstappen. "He [Ocon] was such an idiot, he gets taken out while he's being lapped.
"I think the race was better than expected for us today - the car worked well, the strategy worked well.
"I'm happy with second, but we should have won today."
Hamilton's win also helped Mercedes secure the constructors championship.
The final race of the season takes place at Abu Dhabi on November 26.
Newshub.
