Max Verstappen winning his first Formula 1 World Championship on the final lap in Abu Dhabi is “the best” moment of his career so far according to his father Jos.
The Dutchman was victorious in 2021 after overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the last lap after a Safety Car allowed the Red Bull driver to pit for fresher tyres.
The controversial role of the former F1 race director, Michael Masi, still haunts Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff and the Ferrari-bound Hamilton to this day.
Wolff and Mercedes were perplexed by Masi’s decision to not allow lapped cars to unlap themselves before the Safety Car restart.
However, Max’s father doesn’t let the controversy distract him from the fond memories he shared with his son on that day.
Verstappen Sr. recently spoke about the career highlights of the four-time World Champion when asked if the 2024 version of Verstappen was the best.
“He was also extremely good in 2023,” Jos told F1-Insider.
“But of course, it was more difficult for him in 2024 because the car wasn’t the best in the field and he always had to drive at the limit – without making mistakes – he did that extremely well.
“He’s always given one hundred per cent but this year it was more noticeable.
“People have noticed that Max can make the difference compared to others.
“Every title is special and valuable – the best is always the first.
“Abu Dhabi 2021 was very special – when you win the title on the last lap, you’ll never forget it.
“Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton won’t like that.”
Verstappen reflects on ‘extremely beautiful’ moment with his son
After 2021, Verstappen went on to win three more titles becoming only the fifth person in the sport’s history to win four or more consecutive championships in a row.
He also became the second Red Bull driver to accomplish this feat since Sebastian Vettel (2010-2013).
But for Jos, nothing can beat that feeling of winning your first championship and the ex-F1 driver recalled a moment between himself and Max after the race.
“I remember sitting in the pits with my son shortly after the race and we reviewed his career in fast-forward,” he said.
“It was an extremely beautiful and emotional moment for both of us.”
Going back to last season, there’s no surprise as to what the 52-year-old thinks is the standout moment of 2024 for his son.
“As for this year [2024], his race in the pouring rain in Sao Paulo naturally stands out,” he added.
“He had to start from the back in extremely difficult conditions.
“It was easy to make a mistake, but Max simply drove as if the rain hadn’t happened.
“That was special.”
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