Abu Dhabi was too much for Verstappen: "Didn't feel it was going to happen"

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was not very long in coming when Jos Verstappen disappeared from view. In an interview with David Coulthard for CarNext Coulthard he tells about that moment.

Red Bull Racing was on top of the pack throughout the race and adopted a superior strategy. Max Verstappen acknowledges that despite this, a miracle was needed to win the race, and with it the championship.

"That miracle came in the form of Nicholas Latifi, who drives a Mercedes-powered Williams, so that already cancels out any conspiracy theories", Coulthard stated. That moment proved decisive for the outcome of the championship.

It was too much for Verstappen

Meanwhile, the Scot wonders where father Verstappen was and how he experienced the last five laps. "I looked for a quiet place to watch the lap times, because I did not feel that it was still going to happen," admits the 49-year-old from Limburg.

The emotion can be read from his face as he talks about the final stage of the race. "I can't describe it, it was so emotional. The cars were taken out of the way and then there was one lap to go", he continues. At that moment, the proud father knew it was right. "Everyone knows: if Max is behind you on the last lap he is going to try, no matter what," Verstappen said.