LEWIS HAMILTON has congratulated rival and now two-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen.
The Red Bull-racing Dutchman, 25, secured his second F1 crown before Hamilton could record his first win of the season with a chaotic P1 finish at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.
And despite last season’s Abu Dhabi controversy, which saw Hamilton be denied a record-breaking eighth world title with Verstappen pipping him to it on the final lap, the Brit graciously congratulated his rival.
Hamilton also said he has “no doubts” Mercedes will “build a better car next year” which could challenge Red Bull and Ferrari.
He said after the race: “Congrats to Max.
“I think for us, we know what the problems are with this car.
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“I believe that we as a team, we’ve not gone from being world champions to not being able to build a good car.
“I have no doubts we’ll build a better car next year.
“Whether or not we rectify the issues from this year, we’ll find out when we get there.”
Verstappen’s win at Suzuka ended Mercedes’ seven-year dominance at the track.
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Merc had one every race in Japan since 2014.
Verstappen said it was “special” to win the title on the historic track and the home of Honda, Red Bulls’ engine designer and developer.
He told F1: “Pretty special, of course, to win it here.
“That was the perfect scenario to win it here and we did that.
“A little bit delayed but yeah still very happy to win it.
“The race as well… I mean the car was again on fire and I didn’t really have any issues today – we could look after our tyres.
“But, yeah, looking back at the season we’ve had so far it’s been pretty impressive but also really enjoyable for most of it.
“Something we really have to remind ourselves of a few times; we’re always very focussed on performance but you also have to look back on what you actually achieved and really enjoy the moment.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
