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Red Bull chief Christian Horner breaks down in tears as Max Verstappen dramatically wins F1 world title on final lap

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CHRISTIAN HORNER was reduced to tears after Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won his first Formula One World Championship in dramatic fashion.

The Dutch star, 24, passed Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to deny the British icon a record eighth world title.

Red Bull star Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the Formula One World ChampionshipCredit: Getty
Verstappen’s win left Red Bull chief Christian Horner in tears after his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix success

Red Bull Team Principal Horner failed to contain his emotion following the race as he was left teary-eyed by Verstappen’s triumph.

It is the first time since Sebastian Vettel in 2013 that Red Bull have had a driver win the World Championship.

Speaking immediately to Verstappen after the race on the team radio, Horner said: “We needed a bit of luck and we got it.

“We love you. We ****ing love you.”

Verstappen gleefully responded by saying: “This is unbelievable guys!

“Can we do this for another 10-15 years together?”

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Verstappen and rival Hamilton went into the Abu Dhabi GP on level points, with the former starting on pole position.

Hamilton passed Verstappen on the first corner of the race and looked to be on course for victory, only for a safety car on lap 54 to allow the latter back into the contest.

Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers, and with Verstappen pitting for fresher tyres, he chased Hamilton down in the final lap after the safety car entered the pit lane with one lap remaining.

And Verstappen seized his chance on turn five as he passed Hamilton, before streaking clear of the rest of the pack.

Speaking in his post-race interview, a delighted Verstappen remarked: “It’s unbelievable. I tried the whole race and kept fighting then got the opportunity on the last lap.

“It’s insane – finally a bit of luck for me. I love my team and fans and hope we can do this for 10-15 years together.”

Hamilton was quick to congratulate Verstappen and his team, as he stated: “Firstly congratulations to Max and to his team.

“I think we did an amazing job this year. My team, everyone back at the factory, have worked so hard this whole year, it’s been the most difficult of seasons.

Verstappen passed Hamilton on the final lap to win his first world titleCredit: Getty
Horner and Verstappen embraced after the Red Bull ace denied Hamilton from a record eighth world titleCredit: Getty
Hamilton was quick to congratulate Verstappen following an epic 2021 seasonCredit: Sky Sports

“I’m so proud of them and I’m so grateful to be a part of the journey with them.

“This last part of the season we gave it absolutely everything and never gave up.”

Horner added: “We were screaming at the end to let them race. A great strategy call to make that pit stop and take softs and then it was down to Max to make it happen.

“It is unheard of to leave the cars unlapped. They wanted to get the race going again. They absolutely made the right call.

“I am so proud of Max and of the team for what we have been through this year.

“You just knew Max was not going to give it up. He had come so far this year and then to see him close it out, become world champion – an amazing feeling.

“The last ten laps I was thinking what will I say to Max and the guys to pick them up and then a stroke of luck with the safety car.”

Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk

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