An emotional reaction During an interview, Max Verstappen was driven to tears as he relived memories from his Formula One Drivers’ Championship victory over Lewis Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. At the Yas Marina Circuit, the Dutchman won his first ever world title with a last-lap pass on his Mercedes adversary, giving the Red Bull driver 395.5 points to the Briton’s 387.5.
For long of the race, it appeared that Verstappen would have to wait for his first title, with Hamilton gliding ahead even on older hard tyres.
After a safety car restart, the 24-year-old was able to go by Hamilton on the final lap thanks to good fortune and solid Red Bull strategy.
Verstappen had to fight back emotions when speaking to Dutch source Ziggo Sport, as footage showed him greeting Hamilton, conversing with Lewis’ father Anthony, and spending time with his own father Jos in the aftermath of his triumph.
Verstappen tells the interviewer while the clips play: “These are very special moments that you will never forget in your life, really beautiful.”