MAX VERSTAPPEN will finally be confirmed as Formula One world champion.
Mercedes have dropped their appeal to have his title win overturned – as first reported on Wednesday.
And the F1 king-in-waiting admitted there were moments where he and title rival Lewis Hamilton HATED each other this season.
But Merc have confirmed they will not follow up their notice of intention to appeal against Verstappen’s hugely controversial victory in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Hamilton’s team were upset that FIA stewards meddled in the season finale in Abu Dhabi, resulting in Verstappen passing Hamilton on the final lap to win the race and the title.
They had two protests overturned four hours after the race and despite initially declaring their intention to take the matter further, have now pulled the legal challenge having spoken to Hamilton.
Instead, they say they will work with the FIA to make improvements to ensure there is no repeat of the cock-up after race director Michael Masi’s controversial decisions.
A statement said: “We left Abu Dhabi in disbelief of what we had just witnessed. Of course, it’s part of the game to lose a race, but it’s something different when you lose faith in racing.
“Together with Lewis, we have deliberated carefully over how to respond to the events at the Formula One season finale. We have always been guided by our love of this sport and we believe that every competition should be won on merit. In the race on Sunday many felt, us included, that the way things unfolded was not right.
“The reason we protested the race result on Sunday was because the Safety Car regulations were applied in a new way that affected the race result, after Lewis had been in a commanding lead and on course to win the world championship.
“We appealed in the interest of sporting fairness, and we have since been in a constructive dialogue with the FIA and Formula One to create clarity for the future, so that all competitors know the rules under which they are racing, and how they will be enforced.
“We welcome the decision by the FIA to install a commission to thoroughly analyse what happened in Abu Dhabi and to improve the robustness of rules, governance and decision making in Formula One.”
Mercedes also addressed Verstappen’s maiden championship and finally paid tribute to the Dutchman and his Red Bull team.
The statement added: “To Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing: we would like to express our sincere respect for your achievements this season.
“You made this Formula One championship title fight truly epic. Max, we congratulate you and your entire team. We look forward to taking the fight to you on the track next season.
“And lastly, even though this Drivers’ Championship did not end the way we hoped, we could not be prouder of our team.
“Lewis, you are the greatest racer in the history of Formula One and you drove your heart out for every lap of this incredible season.
“You’re a flawless sportsman on and off the track and you delivered a faultless performance. As a pure competitor and as a role model for millions around the world, we salute you.”
Verstappen’s coronation will be confirmed at an FIA gala in Paris on Thursday night 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, 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.”
