Verstappen explains action: "I knew I had a better top speed"

Max Verstappen captured his first world title in Abu Dhabi a week ago. The Dutchman only overtook his rival Lewis Hamilton on the final lap, keeping it exciting for a long time. In conversation with Carnext.com, he explains the moment of overtaking.

Hamilton looked set to take the win for some time, but things went wrong for the Briton at the last minute. A decision by race control after Nicholas Latifi 's crash meant Verstappen was suddenly behind Hamilton and had just one lap left to overtake his rival on fresher and faster tyres. He succeeded in doing so after just a few corners.

While many people thought the overtake was too early, Verstappen still stands by that decision. "I knew I had better top speed," he states. "So I was like as soon as I'm ahead. Then I can control the defense. Because when you're behind you can always close the door. So I was like I need to send it there and then I'm in control."

Hamilton's overtaking attempt still failed

The seven-time world champion then tried to get past Verstappen once more, but it proved impossible. As a result, Verstappen was able to collect his first prize on Thursday evening during the annual awards ceremony organised by the FIA.