The FIA confirmed that neither driver's car had the minimum 9mm thickness on their rear skid block, warranting disqualification from the race.

It has given Max Verstappen a 25-point swing in the world championship and seen his deficit to Lando Norris reduce by a half.

The four-time world champion now sits P3 in the world championship, level on 366 points with Oscar Piastri. Following disqualification Norris' total is reduced to 390 points.

As the world championship is blown open, fans now believe a three-way world title fight has truly come alive.

Sensing the drama one person commented: "Are they filming Drive to survive this year by chance?" Another chimed in with "Abu Dhabi will be a movie."

Someone else said: "We are getting a race for the championship now."

Stunned by the development another fan said: "Did not have this on my Bingo card for today!"

The news has helped the Dutchman's fanbase to come alive. "Max could win it now. Oh God. We are dead here when it happens," said one Verstappen fan.

Another excited Verstappen fan typed: "DU DU DU DU MAX VERSTAPPEN!!!! 5TH CHAMPIONSHIP COMING!!!"

The result elevated George Russell to P2 and his teammate Kimi Antonelli to P3, a feat which was not lost on one fan: "1) The championship is wide open, and Max could easily grab it now. 2) Kimi is now P3, meaning he went from P17 to P3."

With just two events remaining in this season's championship, fans are primed for a thrilling end to the season.

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