Lewis Hamilton shows true colours with instant response to Max Verstappen F1 title win
Lewis Hamilton was quick to pay tribute to Max Verstappen after the Red Bull driver sealed another world championship, further etching himself into the Formula 1 history books
Lewis Hamilton wasted no time in congratulating Max Verstappen after he landed a fourth successive world championship.
The Mercedes driver has an ongoing rivalry with the Dutchman, who edged out the Briton to claim his first title in controversial circumstances three years ago. Since then he's gone on to dominate the sport, largely unchallenged, as he continues to etch his name into history.
Verstappen f inished fifth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but that was enough to seal the championship as he finished in front of Lando Norris. It means the Red Bull driver has now won four on the bounce - a feat only achieved by four men in the past.
Hamilton is among those and despite his obvious frustration as not being able to challenge Verstappen he was quick to recognise his achievement.
He said after the race in Nevada: "That was great. Firstly I’ve got to say a big congratulations to Max for winning the championship, still with several races to go. If I’d done my job yesterday, it would have been a breeze today. But it’s ok. I had fun coming from 10th. The team did a fantastic job."
Hamilton ended up coming home in second as Mercedes enjoyed a rare 1-2. George Russell executed a stunning drive from pole position to take the chequered flag with his team-mate coming through from tenth after a disappointing qualifying.
"We don’t know why we were so quick this weekend, but that’s the best the car’s ever felt," said Hamilton. "So I’m grateful to have been a part of getting it to that point. If the car drives like that in the next couple of races then I think we’ll be in a good spot to challenge the guys up front. The championship’s done, so now it’s just all out, fight for the best positions possible."
Verstappen himself didn't have the pace to fight for the race win and was passed by Hamilton as he charged through the field. The Red Bull man though had done the hard yards in the early months of the season and will be out to match Michael Schumacher next season - the only man to win five on the bounce.
The Dutchman said on his latest achievement: "It’s been a long season. Of course, we started off amazing, it was almost like cruising but then we had a tough run. But as a team we kept it together, we kept working on improvement and we pulled over the line.
"I’m incredibly proud of everyone, what they have done for me. And to stand here as a four-time world champion is of course something that I never thought was possible. So, at the moment just feeling relieved, in a way, but also very proud. "
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