Max Verstappen is glad to have received ‘a bit of luck’ after his controversial win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to edge out Lewis Hamilton and claim the Formula One World Championship title.
The two F1 title rivals were tied on points going into the final race of a pulsating season and Verstappen took an early advantage by claiming pole.
Hamilton was in front for the majority of the race and eyeing a record eighth championship until Nicholas Latifi crashed with five laps to go and a late safety car was brought out.
Only five cars were allowed to unlap and the race restarted on the final lap with Verstappen right behind the seven-time champion.
On fresh soft tyres, the Dutchman gained the lead and held off the Brit to secure his maiden championship victory, ending Hamilton and Mercedes’ dominance.
‘It’s unbelievable’ said Red Bull driver Verstappen. ‘Throughout the whole race I kept fighting and to have an opportunity on the last lap, it’s incredible. I’m having cramp. It’s insane.
‘I don’t know what to say. My team and Honda, they deserve it. I love them so much and I really really enjoy working with them. This year has been incredible.
‘Finally, a bit of luck for me.
‘I also need to say a big thank you to Checo [Perez]. He was driving his heart out today, it was great team-work and he’s an amazing team-mate.
‘My team know I love them and I hope we can do this for 10-15 years together.
‘There’s no reason to change ever, I want to stay with them for the rest of my life. I hope they let me.
‘Christian [Horner] and Helmut [Marko] trusted me to be in the team in 2016, our goal was to be world champion and now we’ve done that.’
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