Lewis Hamilton insisted he was ‘so proud’ of his Mercedes team despite suffering a heartbreaking and controversial defeat to Formula One title rival Max Verstappen in the decider in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton, chasing a record eighth world title, appeared in control of the race after surpassing Red Bull’s Verstappen on a controversial first lap.
But a late crash involving Nicholas Latifi led to a safety car and, with fresh tyres, Verstappen was able to sweep by the Brit to win his first F1 world title in the season finale.
‘Firstly congratulations to Max and his team,’ Hamilton said. ‘I think we did an amazing job this year.
‘The team, everyone back at the factory, all the men and women we have, worked so hard all year in a difficult season. I am so proud of them, and so grateful to be part of the journey with them.
‘We gave it everything this last part of the season and never gave up, that’s the most important thing.
‘Of course I have felt great in the car this past couple of months, particularly at the end. I hope everyone stays safe in the pandemic and has good Christmas during this time and we’ll see about next year.’
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New world champion Verstappen, meanwhile, said: ‘It’s unbelievable. Throughout the whole race I kept fighting then there was the opportunity in the last lap, it’s incredible.
‘I don’t know what to say. My team deserve it. Finally a bit of luck for me. I also want to say thank you to Checo [Perez], he’s been a brilliant team-mate.
‘My team know I love them I hope we can do this for 10, 15 years together. I don’t want to change ever. I want to stay with them for the rest of my life, if they will have me.
‘I’m so happy. Our goal was to win this championship when we came together and now we have done that.’
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