F1

BERNIE ECCLESTONE has claimed Sir Lewis Hamilton did not deserve his knighthood. The British race legend was honoured by the Prince of Wales at a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony on Wednesday.
Sir Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor CastleCredit: PA
He received the knighthood in recognition of his dazzling motorsport career, just days after his controversial Formula One title loss.
But Ecclestone, the former F1 chief executive, hinted Hamilton did not do ‘anything specific for the country’ to earn the honour.
He told told German broadcaster n-tv: “Only people who have really done something for the country should be knighted.
“I don’t think many people who are knighted now really deserve it.
“They all make a lot of money and donate some to charity but they haven’t done anything specific for the country.”
Hamilton is the fourth F1 driver to be knighted, following Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart.
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But the seven-time champion became the first to be awarded the honour while still actively competing.
Hamilton, 36, was recognised in the New Year Honours list having beaten Michael Schumacher’s all-time victory tally and matching the German’s world titles.
But he dramatically failed to surpass Schumacher to an eighth after losing out to bitter rival Max Verstappen.
Verstappen, 24, won his first world crown on the final lap of the season in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton’s team were furious that FIA race director Michael Masi fudged the rules to create a single lap showdown in the winner-takes-all-contest.
Only people who have really done something for the country should be knighted. Bernie Ecclestone on Lewis Hamilton’s knighthood
The Brit was a sitting duck on old tyres as Verstappen screamed past following a safety car period where Masi allowed five cars to get out of the way.
Both Hamilton and Mercedes felt the result was manipulated resulting in Verstappen winning the title in front of a huge TV audience.
But Ecclestone was critical of the furious reaction Merc chief Toto Wolff displayed.
He said: “Other team members were probably angry too. But he was the only one to show it.
“If Mercedes don’t win the championship retrospectively, he should at least get an Oscar for acting.”
Mercedes have now withdrawn their appeal against the outcome of the race after ‘constructive dialogue’ with governing body FIA.
Bernie Ecclestone during the Azerbaijan GP at Baku City in 2019Credit: Rex Features More

STARS of Formula 1 got together at the glitzy FIA awards as Max Verstappen received his World Championship trophy.The event was avoided by Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton after they were ‘robbed’ of the title on Sunday.
Kelly Piquet stunned alongside boyfriend Max VerstappenCredit: Rex
Geri Horner beamed alongside Red Bull hubby ChristianCredit: AFP
Geri and Kelly pose for a picture togetherCredit: Rex
But many of the great and good of the F1 world did make it to the Paris bash, with Red Bull’s Verstappen and Christian Horner still riding the wave of Sunday’s fortunate win.
And they were joined on the blue carpet by their other halves Geri Horner and Kelly Piquet.
Former Spice Girl Geri, 49, hailed Red Bull’s success in a much-panned Sky Sports interview in Abu Dhabi.
And she looked just as delighted as she beamed in a white gown at last night’s Paris bash.
Victorious Verstappen, 24, swapped his usual race gear for a tux and bow-tie as he walked the blue carpet alongside girlfriend Kelly Piquet.
And Kelly, 33, stole the show in a stunning black frock.
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The pair have dated since October 2020, after Kelly split from former Red Bull ace Daniil Kvyat, having had a daughter with the Russian in 2019.
While Wolff and Hamilton were no-shows, Mercedes were represented at the FIA party.
Outgoing Valtteri Bottas was in attendance as he prepares to bid farewell to Merc and join Alfa Romeo next season.
The Finn was joined by Australian cyclist girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell.
Bottas will be replaced at Mercedes next season by Williams’ George Russell.
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Kelly chats with Christian and GeriCredit: AFP
Valtteri Bottas beams alongside Aussie cyclist Tiffany CromwellCredit: AFP
Max Verstappen had plenty of reasons to grinCredit: AFP
Just because Hamilton wasn’t in attendance, doesn’t mean that his presence wasn’t felt in other ways.
Parked outside the awards presentation was a van, with an interactive message that read: “WeStandWithLewis.”
The message comes after Wolff declared that Hamilton could sensationally quit F1 after being left ‘disillusioned’ by the sport following Verstappen’s triumph.
Speaking during the FIA Prize-Giving gala in Paris, Verstappen insisted his rival has no reason to walk away.
He said: “Of course, I can understand that the first few days, after a race like that, you’re not happy.
“You should also understand this is racing and these things can happen to you.
“I think he should just look back at what he has achieved, and that should give him a lot of comfort and that drive to keep on going.
“He is still trying to challenge for that eighth title, and he can do that again next year, so I don’t see any reason why to give up or stop now.”
Asked whether he feels sorry for the seven-time champ, he remarked: “No, I don’t feel sorry but I can understand it can be very painful.
“At the end of the day, that’s racing as well. You just have to keep fighting until the end and you know that in racing anything can happen.
“He also won a championship like that. I think he can understand as well.”
Loved-up Geri and Christian couldn’t be happierCredit: AP More

MAX VERSTAPPEN’S Formula One World Championship trophy presentation at the FIA Awards in Paris was crashed by Lewis Hamilton fans.The Mercedes driver opted not to attend the gala following Sunday’s controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which saw him miss out on a record eighth title.
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet pose for the camera at the FIA Awards gala in ParisCredit: Rex
A van was parked outside the gala with a message in support of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton, 36, was pipped to the title by Verstappen after being overtaken on the final lap.
The British icon was leading by ten seconds going into lap 54, only for a safety car to be deployed after Williams’ Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers.
And with fresher tyres having pitted, Verstappen passed his rival on the final lap after stewards decided to allow lapped cars to overtake.
FIA director Michael Masi had initially indicated lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen would stay in their formation, only to change his mind, resulting in the former to claim that the race ‘has been manipulated’.
Mercedes subsequently failed with two protests after Verstappen won at the Yas Marina Circuit, before dropping their appeal on Thursday.
Still fuming with the FIA, Hamilton – and team boss Toto Wolff – decided to against attending the gala in France.
@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}latest f1 news.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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That is despite F1’s sporting regulations stating the drivers who finish in the top three of the championship must attend the prize giving ceremony.
Fans and pundits have agreed that Hamilton was cruelly denied the world title, with supporters voicing their opinion in Paris.
Parked outside the awards presentation was a van, with an interactive message that read: “WeStandWithLewis.”
The message comes after Wolff declared that Hamilton could sensationally quit F1 after being left ‘disillusioned’ by the sport following Verstappen’s triumph.
Speaking during the FIA Prize-Giving gala in Paris, Verstappen insisted his rival has no reason to walk away.
He said: “Of course, I can understand that the first few days, after a race like that, you’re not happy.
“You should also understand this is racing and these things can happen to you.
“I think he should just look back at what he has achieved, and that should give him a lot of comfort and that drive to keep on going.
Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas attended the gala with girlfriend Tiffany CromwellCredit: AFP

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was all smiles next to Spice Girls wife GeriCredit: AFP
“He is still trying to challenge for that eighth title, and he can do that again next year, so I don’t see any reason why to give up or stop now.”
Asked whether he feels sorry for the seven-time champ, he remarked: “No, I don’t feel sorry but I can understand it can be very painful.
“At the end of the day, that’s racing as well. You just have to keep fighting until the end and you know that in racing anything can happen.
“He also won a championship like that. I think he can understand as well.” More

LEWIS HAMILTON fan Neil Steele is so angry Mercedes pulled their legal bid to have the Brit installed as the F1 world champion he’s selling his Merc road car in protest.Steele, 41 from Rishton in Lancashire, is flogging his Mercedes-AMG GLE63s, which he says is in ‘perfect condition’.
A Lewis Hamilton superfan is selling this carCredit: Alamy
The decision came after Mercedes pulled their legal bid to have Hamilton installed as F1 world champCredit: AFP
Hamilton was denied a record eighth world title when FIA race director Michael Masi fudged the rules to set up a one-lap dash to the line in Abu Dhabi.
The Brit was a sitting duck on old tyres and Max Verstappen went on to win the race and the F1 crown.
Steele told SunSport: “I am frustrated as a travelling fan to see an F1 world title decided in such unsavoury circumstances by an FiA race director.
“I trusted the Mercedes team to pursue their legal appeals in righting wrongs, with no realistic expectation of result change.
“They have a moral obligation to protect sporting integrity only to sell out the fans and Lewis Hamilton.
“Selling the car is petty and will have no material effect but it will make me feel better and on a matter of principle.
@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
Dead serious about my car going by the way, if anyone interested. Mercedes-AMG GLE63s, 5.5l v8 Bi-Turbo. 69 reg, 12500 miles..perfect condition. Plate not included. RT for me @MercedesAMGF1, selling because of you scabs..never again!! pic.twitter.com/zUnXGvI9j6— @thestaveros (@the_staveros) December 16, 2021

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“I will not support a team or brand that puts politics ahead of justice. Us, the fans, feel hugely let down, and we question Toto Wolff and Mercedes’ values.”
Steele wrote on Twitter: “Dead serious about my car going by the way, if anyone is interested.
“Mercedes-AMG GLE63s, 5.5l v8 Bi-Turbo. 69 reg, 12500 miles..perfect condition.

“Plate not included. RT for me @MercedesAMGF1, selling because of you scabs..never again!!”
Earlier this year he famously chartered a plane to fly a message of support for Hamilton at the Dutch GP.
He paid £1,600 for the stunt with the aircraft flying a banner saying ‘7 X WDC. Simply lovely’ in reference to Hamilton’s title and Verstappen’s catchphrase.
Steele flew this message over the Dutch GP
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MAX VERSTAPPEN will finally be confirmed as Formula One world champion.Mercedes have dropped their appeal to have his title win overturned – as SunSport first reported on Wednesday.
Max Verstappen is finally set to be crowned F1’s new kingCredit: AFP
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes will not appeal Verstappen’s victory in Abu DhabiCredit: Getty
And the F1 king-in-waiting admitted there were moments where he and title rival Lewis Hamilton HATED each other this season.
But Merc have confirmed they will not follow up their notice of intention to appeal against Verstappen’s hugely controversial victory in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Hamilton’s team were upset that FIA stewards meddled in the season finale in Abu Dhabi, resulting in Verstappen passing Hamilton on the final lap to win the race and the title.
They had two protests overturned four hours after the race and despite initially declaring their intention to take the matter further, have now pulled the legal challenge having spoken to Hamilton.
Instead, they say they will work with the FIA to make improvements to ensure there is no repeat of the cock-up after race director Michael Masi’s controversial decisions.
A statement said: “We left Abu Dhabi in disbelief of what we had just witnessed. Of course, it’s part of the game to lose a race, but it’s something different when you lose faith in racing.
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 “Together with Lewis, we have deliberated carefully over how to respond to the events at the Formula One season finale. We have always been guided by our love of this sport and we believe that every competition should be won on merit. In the race on Sunday many felt, us included, that the way things unfolded was not right.
“The reason we protested the race result on Sunday was because the Safety Car regulations were applied in a new way that affected the race result, after Lewis had been in a commanding lead and on course to win the world championship.
“We appealed in the interest of sporting fairness, and we have since been in a constructive dialogue with the FIA and Formula One to create clarity for the future, so that all competitors know the rules under which they are racing, and how they will be enforced.
“We welcome the decision by the FIA to install a commission to thoroughly analyse what happened in Abu Dhabi and to improve the robustness of rules, governance and decision making in Formula One.”
Mercedes also addressed Verstappen’s maiden championship and finally paid tribute to the Dutchman and his Red Bull team.
Race director Michael Masi is reportedly fighting for his jobCredit: Getty
The statement added: “To Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing: we would like to express our sincere respect for your achievements this season.
“You made this Formula One championship title fight truly epic. Max, we congratulate you and your entire team. We look forward to taking the fight to you on the track next season.
“And lastly, even though this Drivers’ Championship did not end the way we hoped, we could not be prouder of our team.
“Lewis, you are the greatest racer in the history of Formula One and you drove your heart out for every lap of this incredible season.
“You’re a flawless sportsman on and off the track and you delivered a faultless performance. As a pure competitor and as a role model for millions around the world, we salute you.”
Hamilton and Verstappen embraced following the raceCredit: Getty
Verstappen’s coronation will be confirmed at an FIA gala in Paris on Thursday night and rules state Hamilton, as runner-up, must also attend.
And the Brit — who received his knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor ­Castle yesterday — could be fined if he snubs the event.
During the season, Verstappen and Hamilton had a titanic tussle for the F1 title, with skirmishes at Silverstone, Monza and in Saudi Arabia before their explosive finale.
Verstappen, 24, said: “Sometimes we did hate each other — but that’s fine — that is the competitive spirit both of us have.
“He is an incredible driver and this year in most of the races we have been pushing flat out.
Absolutely, the win was very luckyMax Verstappen
“I appreciate Lewis’ talent for sure, he is a very tough competitor, probably the toughest one I’ve had to fight.”
Speaking at Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Verstappen admitted that Sunday’s victory was lucky.
He added: “People say it was a lucky win. Absolutely, the win was very lucky.
“But we also have been very unlucky throughout the season, otherwise the championship would have been decided way ­earlier.
“It was very painful for Lewis — and I would also be hurt in the way he lost it.”
F1 star Lewis Hamilton is knighted for his contribution to Motor Sport More

SUSIE WOLFF feels ‘sick’ after Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton was ‘robbed’ of the World Championship on Sunday in Abu Dhabi.And Susie, wife of team chief Toto Wolff, called on the FIA to instil ‘sporting integrity and fairness’ amid pressure on race director Michael Masi’s job.
Toto Wolff and wife Susie have both been left perplexed by the FIA’s decision makingCredit: Getty
Hamilton led comfortably going into the final six laps in Abu Dhabi, before Nicholas Latifi’s crash put a spanner in the works.
Championship rival Max Verstappen was in second but had pitted for a fresh set of tyres, exiting the pits five LAPPED cars behind Hamilton.
Initially Masi indicated no cars would be allowed to unlap themselves before the safety car was pulled in and racing allowed to recommence.
The Australian then stunningly changed his mind – but only allowed the cars between Verstappen and Hamilton to unlap themselves – gifting the Dutchman victory.
Breaking her silence on the ‘robbery’ Wolff, 39, wrote on Twitter: “Going in to this final race weekend, I believed both teams and both drivers deserved to win.
“It was going to be a spectacle, an historic race that we all hoped would end without controversy. That wasn’t to be.
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“What happened is still hard to comprehend and leaves me with a sick feeling.
“Not the losing – and not Max or Red Bull – they are deserving winners and we always knew it was a strong possibility we may not win – but the way in which Lewis was robbed has left me in utter disbelief.
“The decision of one person within the governing body who applied a rule in a way which has never been done before in F1 single handedly decided the F1 Driver World Championship. Rules are rules, they can’t be changed on a whim by one individual at the end of a race.”
She then gushed over Hamilton – before calling on FIA chiefs to make sweeping changes.
She added: “Lewis Hamilton, you have shown incredible integrity and dignity in the face of injustice. You are the greatest there has ever been.
I hope by March of next year there is a governing body with sporting integrity and fairness at its core so I can fall back in love with F1Susie Wolff
“The outcome of the last laps on Sunday? Those who know, they know, even those who can’t quite bring themselves to admit it.
“Congratulations Max and congratulations to each and every member of Mercedes-AMG F1 on your record breaking eighth constructors title – I hope by March of next year there is a governing body with sporting integrity and fairness at its core so I can fall back in love with F1.”
A new FIA president will be elected tomorrow, with Jean Todt’s 12 years in charge to come to an end.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Graham Stoker are vying for election – with Bernie Ecclestone’s wife Fabiana, 44, set for a role as Vice-President for Sport in South America if the former is successful.
One of the winner’s first actions could be to axe Masi – with plenty of calls to see the Aussie removed from his duties.
Amid complains, however, Mercedes have withdrawn their appeal after the FIA agreed to launch a commission to ‘thoroughly analyse what happened in Abu Dhabi’.
British hero Hamilton, meanwhile, was knighted by Prince Charles yesterday, as his proud mother watched on.
Lewis Hamilton was knighted by Prince Charles on WednesdayCredit: PA More

MAX VERSTAPPEN is ready to be confirmed as Formula One world champion.The F1 king-in-waiting admitted on Wednesday there were moments where he and title rival Lewis Hamilton HATED each other this season.
Max Verstappen is finally set to be crowned F1’s new kingCredit: AFP
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes will not appeal Verstappen’s victory in Abu DhabiCredit: Getty
SunSport understands that Mercedes will not follow up their notice of intention to appeal against Verstappen’s hugely controversial title victory in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
But Red Bull boss Christian Horner is taking nothing for granted — and he cannot relax until the appeal is officially dropped.
Horner said: “I don’t think it’s official until it’s official. But Max is world champ until someone says otherwise.”
Hamilton’s Mercedes team were shocked at the decision-making of FIA race director Michael Masi in the final race of the season when he allowed some, but not all, of the lapped cars to overtake the safety car.
Leader Hamilton was comfortably clear of Dutch star Verstappen and cruising to the title — until the safety car had to come out.
Verstappen was even able to get fresh tyres and close the gap on Hamilton — before streaking past him when the race resumed for one last lap.
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Verstappen’s coronation should be confirmed at an FIA gala in Paris tonight and rules state Hamilton, as runner-up, must also attend.
And the Brit — who received his knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor ­Castle yesterday — could be fined if he snubs the event.
During the season, Verstappen and Hamilton had a titanic tussle for the F1 title, with skirmishes at Silverstone, Monza and in Saudi Arabia before their explosive finale.
Verstappen, 24, said: “Sometimes we did hate each other — but that’s fine — that is the competitive spirit both of us have.
“He is an incredible driver and this year in most of the races we have been pushing flat out.
Absolutely, the win was very luckyMax Verstappen
“I appreciate Lewis’ talent for sure, he is a very tough competitor, probably the toughest one I’ve had to fight.”
Speaking at Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes yesterday, Verstappen admitted that Sunday’s victory was lucky.
He added: “People say it was a lucky win. Absolutely, the win was very lucky.
“But we also have been very unlucky throughout the season, otherwise the championship would have been decided way ­earlier.
“It was very painful for Lewis — and I would also be hurt in the way he lost it.” More