Verstappen is elated: 'Forget the start, we've won'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Max Verstappen has won a bizarre race in Abu Dhabi and takes the championship victory. The whole race it looked like Lewis Hamilton would take the world title, but in the very last lap the Dutchman managed to overtake his rival after a safety car. Verstappen is very happy with the result.
"Of course before that last lap everything went a bit wrong, it didn't go our way, bit how the season summed up. Then in that last lap you know there is one chance and you have to go for it. We took it and it was incredible," said Verstappen at Ziggo Sport.
At the start of the race, it already went wrong for the Dutchman. Hamilton could immediately overtake him on a harder compound. "Screw that start man. We have won. That's what it's all about", Verstappen laughed.
Verstappen thanks his teammate
Sergio Perez ultimately played a big part in the win. The Mexican kept Hamilton behind for longer periods in a thrilling battle. "Checo didn't do it normally today. Because of him I became world champion", the Limburger reacted. He confirms that next year he will therefore drive with the number one on his car.
"The race itself was a bit frustrating, but that it all comes together on that last lap, you couldn't have written it better. When I sat in the car it was a huge release, even all season. It's been a very long season and of course the pressure was always on," Verstappen said.