CHRISTIAN HORNER was reduced to tears after Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won his first Formula One World Championship in dramatic fashion.
The Dutch star, 24, passed Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to deny the British icon a record eighth world title.
Red Bull Team Principal Horner failed to contain his emotion following the race as he was left teary-eyed by Verstappen‘s triumph.
It is the first time since Sebastian Vettel in 2013 that Red Bull have had a driver win the World Championship.
Speaking immediately to Verstappen after the race on the team radio, Horner said: “We needed a bit of luck and we got it.
“We love you. We ****ing love you.”
Verstappen gleefully responded by saying: “This is unbelievable guys!
“Can we do this for another 10-15 years together?”
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Verstappen and rival Hamilton went into the Abu Dhabi GP on level points, with the former starting on pole position.
Hamilton passed Verstappen on the first corner of the race and looked to be on course for victory, only for a safety car on lap 54 to allow the latter back into the contest.
Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers, and with Verstappene pitting for fresher tyres, he chased Hamilton down in the final la[ after the safety car entered the pit lane with one lap remaining.
And Verstappen seized his chance on turn five as he passed Hamilton, before streaking clear of the rest of the pack.
More to follow…
