Max Verstappen, who was dressed up in Paris to receive his driver’s world championship trophy, was the center of attention.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ended in controversy. Verstappen won the last lap. Kelly Piquet, the Red Bull driver, was honored at Thursday’s Gala Dinner.
Although Lewis Hamilton was his title rival, Verstappen and Toto Wolff (the Mercedes team principal) decided not to attend the end of season event, it was an unforgettable night for them.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the World Championship Trophy on Thursday Night
Verstappen (right), with Kelly Piquet (left), went to the FIA Gala in Paris.
Verstappen seemed buoyant as he shook hand with Jean Todt, the departing president of the FIA.
Hamilton may be tempted to quit the sport, following his heartbreaking loss of the title he believed was his eighth and final world championship.
Verstappen, F1’s new champion, expects Hamilton will be back next year to fight for the record eight title.
Red Bull driver, speaking to reporters in Paris before the governing FIA Gala Dinner, where he received the trophy as champion, acknowledged his Mercedes competitor’s pain.
Verstappen said, “I’m not sorry. But I understand that it can be very difficult.”
“But that’s still racing.” Racing is all about fighting until the last. You know racing can bring out any outcome.
He also won a championship similar to that. “So I believe he understands as well,” said the 24-year old, who won Hamilton’s race at Yas Marina after a change in safety car procedures gave Hamilton a second chance, when it looked like he was out of luck.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes chief says Lewis Hamilton may consider quitting Formula One
Hamilton was awarded his McLaren debut title in 2008 after a final corner move that crushed Felipe Massa (Brazilian Ferrari driver)’s hopes.
Verstappen was unsure if Hamilton would return to the fight next season.
He said, “I understand why you are unhappy in the initial days of a race such as this.” But, he also stated that he understood that racing is a sport. He could look back on what he had accomplished.
He should feel that comfort. But, he should still be motivated to go on because he wants to compete for the eighth title. Next year, he’ll surely do it again.
“So I don’t see why you should give up, or stop right now.
“But if you break this fundamental principle of sporting fairness, and the authenticity or sport, the stopwatch suddenly doesn’t make sense anymore. We are subject to random decision-making.
Mercedes boss Wolff (pictured), and Hamilton bailed on the FIA gala held in Paris Thursday night
The truth is that you could lose your love for a sport when you begin to doubt the effort you’ve put in, the tears and the blood.
“So, it will take us a while to process what happened Sunday. We won’t ever forget it, I think. It is not possible. You can’t do it as a driver.
“I really hope that we, the two of them and all the others can get through the events. The FIA and F1 can help us make the most of this situation and improve the sport in the future.
“But you cannot forget the suffering and pain that Sunday caused. It still seems surreal to me. It still feels surreal, even though I think about it.
Hamilton (right) was passed by Verstappen on Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last lap
Verstappen won the Yas Marina circuit in his first world championship win.
Wolff refuses to speak to Michael Masi, FIA’s director of race operations after Sunday’s race