Oscar Piastri questioned Max Verstappen‘s strategy to his face after Lando Norris was crowned champion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The young Brit claimed the end-of-season honours for the very first time despite failing to win the race. Verstappen took the chequrered flag with Piastri in second but third place was enough for Norris to clinch the biggest prize in motorsport.
Verstappen started on pole and it was speculated before the race that he could deliberately back up the McLaren duo as part of a clever tactic. Such a move would have increased the risk of Piastri and Norris being sucked into a battle with the chasing pack. Verstappen decided against that strategy, though, with the Dutchman only focusing on himself as he crossed the line first.
In the cool-down room after the race, Piastri confronted his Red Bull rival about his strategy as he said: “Didn’t want to back everyone up?”
Verstappen simply replied: “When I heard the top 16 were still in the pit window, I thought that wasn’t too bad.”
Norris, meanwhile, was emotional after securing his maiden world title and fought back tears as he tried to sum up what it meant to him.
“It’s not just this year or the last seven or eight years I’ve been with McLaren, but the last 16 or 17 years of my life trying to chase this dream,” he said.
“Today we all did it, so I’m pretty happy. My best performances this year came when I needed them the most. When I was on the back foot is when I did my best and showed the most of me.
“I managed to get the gap I needed to perform and do what I needed to do today. I’m proud. I’ve got my whole family, my girlfriend, a lot of people here.
“I would hate to embarrass them on a day like today. My mum and dad let me share this dream and today I got to share it with them.”
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown was delighted for his driver and took the opportunity to praise the whole team in his interview with Sky Sports.
“I’m unbelievably proud of the team, unbelievably proud of our two drivers,” said the American.
“We let them race until the end. Most people thought that would be impossible to pull off. It’s a dream racing with these two guys.
“Oscar and Lando have been awesome all year. It hasn’t been easy. This Max guy is quite hard to beat, so it’s quite the accomplishment.
“So well deserved from everyone. I can’t wait to get back to the factory and celebrate with the entire team!”