MAX VERSTAPPEN is ready to be confirmed as Formula One world champion today.
The F1 king-in-waiting yesterday admitted there were moments where he and title rival Lewis Hamilton HATED each other this season.
understands that Mercedes will not follow up their notice of intention to appeal against Verstappen’s hugely controversial title victory in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
But Red Bull boss Christian Horner is taking nothing for granted — and he cannot relax until the appeal is officially dropped.
Horner said: “I don’t think it’s official until it’s official. But Max is world champ until someone says otherwise.”
Hamilton’s Mercedes team were shocked at the decision-making of FIA race director Michael Masi in the final race of the season when he allowed some, but not all, of the lapped cars to overtake the safety car.
Leader Hamilton was comfortably clear of Dutch star Verstappen and cruising to the title — until the safety car had to come out.
Verstappen was even able to get fresh tyres and close the gap on Hamilton — before streaking past him when the race resumed for one last lap.
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Verstappen’s coronation should be confirmed at an FIA gala in Paris tonight and rules state Hamilton, as runner-up, must also attend.
And the Brit — who received his knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor Castle yesterday — could be fined if he snubs the event.
During the season, Verstappen and Hamilton had a titanic tussle for the F1 title, with skirmishes at Silverstone, Monza and in Saudi Arabia before their explosive finale.
Verstappen, 24, said: “Sometimes we did hate each other — but that’s fine — that is the competitive spirit both of us have.
“He is an incredible driver and this year in most of the races we have been pushing flat out.
“I appreciate Lewis’ talent for sure, he is a very tough competitor, probably the toughest one I’ve had to fight.”
Speaking at Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes yesterday, Verstappen admitted that Sunday’s victory was lucky.
He added: “People say it was a lucky win. Absolutely, the win was very lucky.
“But we also have been very unlucky throughout the season, otherwise the championship would have been decided way earlier.
“It was very painful for Lewis — and I would also be hurt in the way he lost it.”
