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Verstappen, Hamilton, Red Bull, Mercedes

Verstappen reveals Hamilton sympathy after dramatic showdown

Verstappen, Hamilton, Red Bull, Mercedes — Photo: © LAT Images
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Verstappen reveals Hamilton sympathy after dramatic showdown

Verstappen took his maiden world title in controversial circumstances

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Max Verstappen has revealed his sympathy for Lewis Hamilton after dramatically clinching the F1 world title on the last lap of the season in controversial circumstances.

The Red Bull driver took his maiden championship crown after defeating Hamilton, who had controlled the race until a late safety car period, in an effective one-lap shootout.

Mercedes submitted two protests after the race, citing alleged breaches of Articles 48.8 and 48.12 of the sporting regulations regarding an overtake by Verstappen under safety car conditions and the FIA's handling of the procedures at the time.

Whilst Hamilton was magnanimous in defeat immediately before the podium, neither driver nor team has faced the media since, keeping counsel after lodging its intent to appeal.

Asked if he felt any sympathy for his rival, Verstappen replied: "Of course, there is one side incredibly happy and one side disappointed.

"Of course I felt for Lewis. He did everything right throughout the whole race. F1 can be very unpredictable and of course, it could go either way.

"It could have been the other way around. I could be controlling the race and then I would lose it in the last lap. Unfortunately, that is a part of racing."

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