‘I don’t want to change ever. I want to stay with them for the rest of my life, if they will have me.’
Max Verstappen has insisted that he wants to stay with Red Bull ‘for the rest of his life’ after an “unbelievable” last lap saw him secure victory and secure his maiden Formula 1 Drivers Championship.
Lewis Hamilton was leading the final race of the season when Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers, which saw a yellow flag and the Safety Car come out.
Initially, race controls reported that lapped cars would not be allowed to overtake, however, they then changed their decision and told the three cars to overtake the safety car.
This saw Hamilton and Max Verstappen – who had opted to immediately pit for some fresh tyres – side by side with just one lap remaining.
After changing his tyres, and with Hamilton running on old ones, the Dutchman took the lead and went on to win the race and secure the Drivers’ Championship.
The Dutchman was understandably ecstatic with his triumph, claiming that he ‘loves’ his team and that he wants to remain with them for the rest of his career.
“I’m so happy. Our goal was to win this championship when we came together and we have done that,” said Verstappen.
“My team know I love them. I hope we can do this for 10, 15 years together.
“I don’t want to change ever. I want to stay with them for the rest of my life, if they will have me.
Race winner 🏆 World champion! 👑 #SimplyLovely pic.twitter.com/m0sL1s4XYb
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) December 12, 2021
The 24-year-old also stated that he ‘finally’ got some luck after a number of controversial moments in both the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and throughout the season in general.
He added: “It’s unbelievable.
“Throughout the whole race I kept fighting then there was the opportunity in the last lap. It’s incredible.
“I don’t know what to say. My team and Honda deserve it.
“Finally a bit of luck for me.”
By winning the title, Verstappen became the first Dutchman to win the F1 World Drivers’ Championship.
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