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"No getting away from the fact that Verstappen is a deserving champion"
- GPblog.com
The events during the final round of the all-important Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have created quite a stir. However, that does not take anything away from the shine of the first world title of Max Verstappen, according to former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer.
Throughout the season, there were regular looks ahead to the final race, with many people expressing the hope that the championship would be decided in the final round. When that wish actually came true, however, it was not to everyone's liking.
Verstappen has earned the world title
Palmer revealed he enjoyed the fight on the final lap, but regrets that the spectacular finish was somewhat overshadowed by the controversey. "We wanted the championship to be decided by a fantastic wheel-to-wheel fight and not in the stewards' office, but in the end it was decided by both," Palmer explained on Formula1.com.
The decisions of the stewards may have been controversial, but as far as Palmer is concerned there is no doubt who deserved the world title the most. "Whatever you think of the safety car incident, there's no getting away from the fact that Max Verstappen is a serving champion in 2021," concluded the 30-year-old Brit.