The remarkable scenes in which Max Verstappen won his first world title and the controversy sparked strong reactions from drivers across the motorsport world.
From past and current Formula 1 drivers to IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula E, the World Endurance Championship and beyond, here are some of the most notable names in motorsport who responded to Verstappen’s championship win.
On the one hand, I would of course like to congratulate Max, the first world champion. And of course Red Bull, a team that I know very well. So of course I’m happy for her.
But I can’t say that in one sentence and I can’t say that I feel sorry for Lewis because he had the race under control and that sometimes doesn’t work out in your favor, the safety car. And that not only turned in his favor, of course it also cost him the title. So I feel for him. It’s a crazy end of the year.
Daniel Ricciardo, multiple Grand Prix winner and former team-mate of Verstappen
Congratulations to both Lewis and Max as both have earned the World Cup this year.
Sebastian Vettel, four-time world champion and Aston Martin F1 driver
“He’s a deserved champion” – Alonso
Congratulations to Max Verstappen on winning the title. It was only a matter of time before he won the trophy and while the incidents today were a little lucky I think he is a deserved champion.
Fernando Alonso, two-time world champion and alpine driver
I want to congratulate both Max and Lewis on their great season. I’m happy for Max, so congratulations on winning the championship.
Carlos Sainz Junior, Ferrari driver
What a showdown! I love champions, records and stories that make my heart beat 300 beats per minute!
Congratulations to world champion Max Verstappen. And Lewis Hamilton for an epic season and story that surely continues.
Mario Andretti, Formula 1 world champion from 1978
“That is unacceptable” – Russell
This is unacceptable! Max is an absolutely fantastic driver, who has had an amazing season and I have just great respect for him, but what just happened is absolutely unacceptable. I can’t believe what we just saw.
George Russell, Mercedes F1 driver 2022
Congratulations Max! What a phenomenal season! Really deserved. Enjoy the party.
Nico Rosberg, Formula 1 world champion 2016
Congratulations Max Verstappen on becoming the first Dutch F1 world champion.
Mika Häkkinen, two-time Formula 1 world champion
I am very happy for Max and for this team because they have worked so hard all year and for many years. Max really deserved this championship at the level he was driving at. I’m really happy to be able to contribute to his title, he was a great teammate and a great guy, I couldn’t be happier for him.
Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate
Congratulations to Max on winning the title. As children, we have been racing together since karting. I know how strong he was from the start. It was only a matter of time before he achieved this and earned it.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari driver
“We knew that one day he would be world champion” – Gasly
I’m really happy for Max, we grew up in racing together, we knew that one day he would have become world champion and he did it today. It’s well deserved.
Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri driver and former Verstappen team-mate
Congratulations to Max Verstappen for a great season.
Esteban Ocon Alpine driver
Congratulations to Max, it’s been such an uphill battle throughout the season and I think he really deserved it today. I would also like to thank him for giving Honda this great result as he gave them the best opportunity to celebrate their last year in F1.
Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri driver
Wow what just happened What a hell [an] F1 season! Congratulations to an extraordinary Max Verstappen. You definitely pushed the boundaries this year. Congratulations also to Lewis and Mercedes on this epic title fight and show!
Nico Hülkenberg, 12-year-old Formula 1 veteran as a racing and test driver
Hamilton “a great deed” – Albon
I’m really happy for Max Verstappen and everyone at Red Bull Racing. Fortune went our way today, but I have to say the whole team deserves it! On the track and in the factory, we’ve put so much work together this season. And great respect for Lewis Hamilton, a class on and off the track.
Alexander Albon, Red Bull reserve driver
Legend. You are an F1 world champion. Congratulations, very proud of you.
Giedo van der Garde, LMP2 driver of the World Endurance Championship and F1 commentator
None of the drivers deserved to lose this title yesterday.
Both were outstanding this year, but in the end we have to congratulate Max Verstappen on his first world title.
Karun Chandhok, former F1 driver and Sky F1 analyst
Michael Bay wouldn’t write a better scenario …
What a champion you are! The example of Lewis, who was at his best, never giving up and beating in a season like this, is truly extraordinary! Congratulations – I’m happy for you.
Jean-Eric Vergne, two-time FIA Formula E champion
Congratulations, Max Verstappen! Well deserved. You are a legend
Pastor Maldonado, 2012 Spanish Grand Prix winner
“I don’t love how that turned out” – Rossi
Max Verstappen deserved it this year, of course, but I don’t love anything that went.
Alexander Rossi, 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner
Man, races are wild when Netflix makes the calls! Both drivers completed championship seasons. Whoever won deserved it. Regardless of how it ended, the fans were the biggest winners. It must be said that, given what happened – and how it happened – Hamilton’s class is remarkable. Young drivers should be careful. They should have thrown red, had their tires changed (which is still a bad rule), and given everyone a five-round shootout until the end. You should check out IndyCar’s rule of lapping cars backwards within a certain number of laps after they finish.
James Hinchcliffe, IndyCar Race Winner
Max, you are amazing. The whole country is proud of you and your historic season! Enjoy it buddy.
Rinus VeeKay, Rookie of the Year 2020 of the IndyCar series
And we give Steve [O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President] a hard time… [What the fuck] was that?
I said at the beginning of the season that it would be difficult for Lewis to finish eighth! Boy was it a crazy way of ending it! Congratulations to Max Verstappen – what a season!
Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jnr, NASCAR Cup Series race winner
A trophy is not required to recognize a champion.
Tatiana Calderón, World Endurance Championship LMP2 and Super Formula Championship driver
This sport is incredible at times.
Oscar Piastri, Formula 2 champion 2021
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