Another key point which is somewhat lost is that there were lapped cars between Lewis (1st) and Max (2nd) but also between Max and the Ferrari of Sainz (3rd). The former were told to get out of the way but not the latter. If this was not the case it's entirely possible that Sainz could have overtaken Max, or tussled with him, preventing his easy pass on Lewis.
Effectively the FIA set things up so we were guaranteed a "final lap shootout" between Lewis and Max with all other cars kept out of the picture so they couldn't spoil it. Except it wasn't a final lap shootout, because of the tyre difference - new viewers might have thought it was very exciting to see them 'fight' the last lap but everyone who knows the sport knew Max would easily overtake unless Lewis crashed into him.
Effectively the FIA set things up so we were guaranteed a "final lap shootout" between Lewis and Max with all other cars kept out of the picture so they couldn't spoil it. Except it wasn't a final lap shootout, because of the tyre difference - new viewers might have thought it was very exciting to see them 'fight' the last lap but everyone who knows the sport knew Max would easily overtake unless Lewis crashed into him.
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