Max Verstappen won his first world title in Abu Dhabi. Lewis Hamilton was overtaken by the Dutchman on the last lap and saw his eighth world title slip out of his hands.
Carlos Sainz unexpectedly finished third in the last race of the season and was therefore allowed to take a seat in the traditional press conference after the Grand Prix. The Spaniard was full of praise when asked what he thought of Verstappen’s performance.
“Truly outstanding, really astonishing since the beginning of the year,” said the Ferrari driver to, among others, RacingNews365. “I think Max showed tremendous speed and incredible racing ability against probably the strongest driver.”
“Lewis is a seven-time world champion and to compete against him at the level he has done…”, said Sainz, who believes we should not forget Hamilton’s achievements either. For me, whoever came out on top in Abu Dhabi would have deserved it. They have both performed at an exceptional level.”
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Sainz and Verstappen made their Formula 1 debut together at Toro Rosso in 2015 and were teammates for more than one season. The fact that his former teammate has now achieved the ideal goal also gives the Spaniard hope for the future.
“Max is world champion and that’s why I’m proud of him, but I also look back a little wistfully at our first year in Formula 1. I look up to him, in a good way, knowing that it is possible to achieve your dream” , says Sainz.
The Ferrari driver also wants to congratulate his old team and hopes his current team can make a step next year. “Congratulations also to Red Bull, my old family, where I started my F1 career. I congratulate them and I hope I can at least give them a hard time next year.”
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