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Verstappen leaves Hamilton impressed: "Big congratulations"
Lewis Hamilton congratulated Max Verstappen on winning his fourth World Championship. The Mercedes driver was impressed Verstappen could do it with two Grands Prix remaining on the schedule. The Mercedes driver also felt like he could've comfortably beaten George Russell in Las Vegas.
In a normal Grand Prix, the Dutchman would be disappointed to finish fifth, but he crucially stayed ahead of Lando Norris to secure the title. Mercedes were absolutely rapid in the 'Sin City'. George Russell cruised to victory from pole, as Lewis Hamilton worked his way through to P2 from 10th on the grid.
Verstappen completed a mature drive. He knew his goal in Las Vegas and didn't get distracted by a rapid Lewis Hamilton coming by. The Dutchman refused to engage in a pointless duel against his 2021 rival, who was clearly quicker. He almost waved him through.
Hamilton keen to congratulate Verstappen
Hamilton spoke after the race and initially ignored the first question to congratulate his rival. "Big congratulations to Max, winning the championship with several [two] races to go," Hamilton said. Verstappen secured the title with Grands Prix in Qatar, Abu Dhabi and a sprint race remaining. Next season, Hamilton will be hoping he can challenge Verstappen again when he moves to Ferrari.
He openly admitted Sunday in Las Vegas would've been different if he had qualified better. "If I did my job yesterday, it would've been a breeze today. But I had fun coming from 10th. We don't know why we were so quick this weekend but that's the best the car has ever felt. Grateful for getting it to that point. It's cold and maybe the reason we did so well because it's cold. If the car drives like that in the next couple of races so we can challenge the guys above," Hamilton added.