Former F1 driver Mark Webber believes Max Verstappen was spurred on by Lewis Hamilton’s turbo hybrid dominance over the past few seasons as he snatched a maiden title despite a fierce battle with the seven-time world champion. Hamilton has ruled the roost in Formula One since 2014, only once beaten by his team-mate Nico Rosberg before he came to blows with Verstappen this season.
Fighting for a record-breaking eighth title, Hamilton was on course to win the title-deciding season finale in Abu Dhabi before a safety car and a controversial decision from FIA race director Michael Masi swung the title back towards Verstappen.
Verstappen stormed to victory after a last-lap lunge on Hamilton, crossing the line first to seal the deal at Yas Marina.
The Dutchman is no rookie though, growing up around the sport thanks to his father Jos. At 24 years old he has just completed his seventh season in F1 and has 141 races under his belt already.
At just 17, he became the youngest driver to race in F1 when he signed for Toro Rosso in 2015, but he was quickly promoted to Red Bull mid-season in 2016 and went on to win the Spanish Grand Prix on debut.
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Verstappen picked up 10 victories on his way to winning the championship, despite the contentious end to the season.
Up against one of the all-time greats, Webber praised his resilience and his willingness to learn in the sport.
“The maturity he’s showed for his age when he came into the sport, he has biblical levels of confidence and feel, at the highest level,” Webber continued. “These cars are not easy to get on top of early.