Verstappen to receive trophy as F1 braced for critical 48 hours

At the annual FIA Prize Gala event, Verstappen will be presented with the famous trophy that marks the culmination of a brilliant campaign for the Dutchman to secure his maiden title.

But while he and his Red Bull team are set for a night to remember, F1 is still reeling from the scandal that has engulfed the sport over the way the final safety car restart at the Yas Marina circuit was handled.

Mercedes remains furious that F1 race director Michael Masi elected to break from…