Verstappen says 'Finally a bit of luck for me'
Dec.13 - Max Verstappen's mother admits she "begged the angels" for a miracle to help her son become Formula 1 world champion on Sunday.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner also said late in the race that only a "miracle" could deliver the crown to the 24-year-old - and that miracle came on the very last lap of the incredible 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
"You got your miracle," a reporter told the champagne-drenched Verstappen himself once the chequered flag had fallen and the wild celebrations were underway.
"It happens," the Dutchman answered. "Finally a bit of luck - for me."
For Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, though, that 'miracle' was more like a nightmare.
The Toto Wolff-led team even intends to appeal its rejected protests against the way Formula 1 handled the dying moments of one of the most thrilling finales in the sport's history.
Verstappen, however, isn't sure what the fuss is about regarding the way only five lapped cars between leader Hamilton and the second-placed Red Bull were cleared out of the way before the very last lap was allowed to re-start.
"Well, everything was clear so why would you then run another lap behind the safety car?" he wondered, defending the under-fire race director Michael Masi.
"Of course, it worked for me this time but it can also work against me, I know that."
Verstappen's mother, former competitive karter Sophie Kumpen, says she prayed for the miracle that Hamilton suspects was actually "manipulation" by the sport's authorities.
"Let's face it," Kumpen told Algemeen Dagblad, "Hamilton was stronger today.
"It didn't look too good until the end, but then my daughter texted me - 'Safety car! Call on the angels'. And behold, they helped me.
"I can't count all the candles I lit this week."
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A lucky given by Masi.
Well deserved
the racing gods have spoken ;-p
Nothing to do with luck, more of a rule change during the race
Now here is the thing.... If you want to re-write the last race, you have to re-write all of them, and then you will come to the conclusion that Max had a better year notwithstanding incidents and calls against him.
You could even re-write other championships if you wanted, but that is not how it works, or should work, all due respect to Mercedes' latest hissy fit.
Oh, and by the way, all you re-writers would first need to look at Lewis' little excursion and free advantage on the first lap...
Only those who insist that the Lewis/Merc combo has to win absolutely all races will deny that this has been a competitive season and deserving World Champion.