Wolff congratulates Verstappen after dramatic championship triumph

F1 world champion Max Verstappen has revealed to receiving a text message from Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff congratulating him on his triumph.

Wolff has remained tight-lipped since the end-of-season showdown in Abu Dhabi that saw Red Bull driver Verstappen controversially snatch victory from Lewis Hamilton.

The Austrian could be heard complaining to FIA race director Michael Masi over the decision to allow cars to unlap themselves before hurriedly removing the safety car for a one-lap shootout.

With Mercedes launching two unsuccessful protests after the race before lodging an intention to appeal, there has been radio silence throughout the team, with the only communication being Hamilton's post-race interview ahead of the podium ceremony.

Verstappen has, however, revealed a message from Wolff in the aftermath of the finale, commenting: "Toto sent me a text - congratulations on the season and that I deserved to win, that was very nice."

Referring to Hamilton's graciousness in the eyes of defeat, the Dutchman added: "Of course it helps if you have already seven titles. That comforts him a bit.

"I think if it was the other way around, it would have been more painful for me because I didn't have one.

"Lewis came up to me and congratulated me. It must have been very tough in that last lap. It also shows the respect we have for each other.

"Of course we had our tough times through the season but we respect what we're doing and we were pushing each other to the limit and it has been very enjoyable racing against him."

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