Lewis Hamilton sends classy message to Max Verstappen after ending Lando Norris fight | F1 | Sport

Lewis Hamilton immediately sent his congratulations to Max Verstappen in his post-race interview at the Las Vegas Grand Prix after the Dutchman claimed his fourth World Championship.

Verstappen crossed the line in P5 with George Russell leading a Mercedes one-two at the front of the field but with Lando Norris in P6, the title fight was decided with two rounds to spare.

Speaking to Jenson Button and Terry Crews after the chequered flag, Hamilton said: “That was great. Firstly I’ve got to say a big congratulations to Max for winning the championship, still with several races to go.

“If I’d done my job yesterday, it would have been a breeze today. But it’s ok. I had fun coming from 10th. The team did a fantastic job. We don’t know why we were so quick this weekend, but that’s the best the car’s ever felt, so I’m grateful to have been a part of getting it to that point.

“If the car drives like that in the next couple of races then I think we’ll be in a good spot to challenge the guys up front. The championship’s done, so now it’s just all out, fight for the best positions possible.”

For Verstappen, the main emotions after the title was wrapped up were relief and pride. “It’s been a long season,” he said. “Of course, we started off amazing, it was almost like cruising but then we had a tough run.

“But as a team we kept it together, we kept working on improvement and we pulled over the line. I’m incredibly proud of everyone, what they have done for me.

“And to stand here as a four-time world champion is of course something that I never thought was possible. So, at the moment just feeling relieved, in a way, but also very proud.”

For McLaren and Norris, the title fight went out with a whimper. The Woking-based team didn’t have the pace to challenge Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull and will now be sweating over their chances of holding onto the lead of the Constructors’ Championship.