2021 FIA Formula One World Champion Red Bull's Dutch driver Max Verstappen (left) walks past second-placed Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton (right) on the podium of the Yas Marina Circuit after the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix on Dec 12, 2021. (ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP)

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton said on his team radio, "This has been manipulated," after the Briton was passed by Max Verstappen on the final lap of Sunday's controversial season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The message was not broadcast on the world TV feed but was audible on seven-times champion Hamilton's onboard channel on F1TV, multiple media outlets reported.

Red Bull's Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the last lap to win the Abu Dhabi GP and claim his first championship after race director Michael Masi altered the safety car procedure to allow five cars between the title rivals to get out of the way.

Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton (left) drives ahead of Red Bull's Dutch driver Max Verstappen (right) at the Yas Marina Circuit during the second free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix on Dec 10, 2021. (GIUSEPPE  CACACE / AFP)

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The decision gave Verstappen a clear run on Hamilton in what amounted to a last-lap sprint finish, with the Dutch driver on fresher tires.

Hamilton was gracious in defeat, congratulating Verstappen and Red Bull for their victory.