Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s rivalry was reignited at the US Grand Prix as the 2022 champion denied his British rival a first win of the season.
Verstappen now holds the record for wins in one-season with 13 while Red Bull won their first constructors title since 2013.
They beat their rivals last year in a satisfying manner, just as Hamilton was about to extend his win record in Formula 1 for the 15th time.
An incident-packed race saw pole-sitter Carlos Sainz spun at the first corner of the race by Mercedes’ George Russell, leaving Verstappen with a simple victory as he took advantage and shot into the distance.
There was more drama, however, as a pair safety cars brought a new world of opportunities.
Hamilton and Mercedes seized their chance to win the race by boldly putting the seven-time champion on hard compound tires, while Red Bull was late to the party.
The Brit took the race lead and could have won the first year-end victory, but Verstappen did the right thing and went after his rival.
In lap 50, he hit, but the two gave the crowd a thrill as the spared no position much like at almost every race in their 2021 epic.
Eventually, though, Hamilton’s harder and older tyres gave up, seeing him drop well behind Verstappen, who was able to win by five seconds on an incredibly poignant weekend.
Austrians had been informed of the death of Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz on the previous day, leaving an indelible legacy on Formula 1 racing and extreme sports.
Christian Horner, team principal, wept as the chequered flag was dropped. It earned his boss his fifth constructors World Championship.
“Max Verstappen, you are world champion, we are world champion,” an emotional Horner said over team radio.
“Thank you so much and thank you Dietrich Mateschitz for everything you have done for us for this team and these championships are for you. Thank you.”
