Max Verstappen dazzles in suits for his world title trophy

 

Max Verstappen was the centre of attention in Paris as he suited up to collect his drivers’ world championship trophy.

Amid a backdrop of a bitter fall-out following the controversial end to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which saw Verstappen snatch victory on the final lap, the Red Bull driver was celebrated alongside his girlfriend Kelly Piquet at the FIA’s Gala Dinner on Thursday night.

His title rival Lewis Hamilton, along with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, elected not to go to the end-of-season event but it was a night to remember for Verstappen.

There has been some suggestions that Hamilton could walk away from the sport following the gut-wrenching disappointment at losing what he felt was set to be his eighth world title.

But for F1’s newest champion, Verstappen expects Hamilton to be back next season to battle for a record eighth title despite the disappointment at being beaten this year.

Speaking to reporters before the governing FIA’s Gala Dinner in Paris, where he was presented with the champion’s trophy, the Red Bull driver recognised his Mercedes rival’s suffering.

‘I don’t feel sorry but I can understand of course that it can be very painful,’ said Verstappen.

‘But at the end of the day that’s racing as well. You just have to just keep fighting to the end and you know that in racing anything can happen.

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‘He also won a championship like that. So I think he can understand as well,’ added the 24-year-old, who overtook Hamilton at Yas Marina when a sudden change to the safety car procedure gave him a chance after it seemed he had none.

Hamilton took his first title with McLaren in 2008 with a last corner move that shattered Brazilian Ferrari driver Felipe Massa’s hopes.