Lammers explains: 'There was a sudden dip in the power of Honda'

Jan Lammers saw Max Verstappen win the world championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon. The Dutchman overtook Lewis Hamilton on the last lap. The former Formula 1 driver tells in the NOS Formula 1 podcast how difficult it was for Verstappen.

The Red Bull Racing driver did excellent business on Saturday by grabbing pole position. It was a big advantage for Verstappen, but he lost it immediately at the start. Verstappen got away badly, while Hamilton was racing at lightning speed in front.

"Max got away at a perfect moment, but then there was a sudden dip in the power of Honda. Lewis also went away like a comet," Lammers explained. "With the red tyre he should have made his move at the start of the race. That's when Hamilton's advantage started to come in."

For much of the race, Lammers no longer felt it was in it for Verstappen, but nothing was further from the truth. A crash by Nicholas Latifi caused the stewards to decide to wave a yellow flag, giving the Dutchman the opportunity to get right behind Hamilton. He then only had to pass the Brit with his faster red tyre.