Max Verstappen's Instant Radio Message After Lando Norris Wins F1 World Title

Max Verstappen has reacted after losing the F1 Drivers' Championship to Lando Norris by the smallest of margins.

The four-time world champion clawed back a huge points tally to take the championship battle to the final race in Abu Dhabi, after an excellent run which coincided with costly McLaren errors.

After qualifying in pole position, the Red Bull driver claimed his 71st win in Formula One at the Yas Marina Circuit.

But it was not enough to secure a fifth world championship in a row as McLaren's Norris finished in third position - which was all he needed to become world champion for the first time.

Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda tried his best to help him out but ended up being given a five second penalty for forcing Norris off track with "more than one change of direction".

In fourth spot and pushing hard, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was Verstappen's final hope but he couldn't catch up to Norris, who did enough to get on the podium and make history by becoming the 35th different driver to win the world title after a pulsating season.

Norris finished just two points ahead of Verstappen, who showed his class with a wonderful team radio message.

"I confess, guys, when we come back in our second half of the season, we can be really, really proud of that. So don't be too disappointed. I'm definitely not disappointed. I'm really proud of everyone. We never give up.

"Pushing, never giving up, believing in making it a success again, even when it's really difficult. So, thank you very much everyone. And also thank you to Honda for all these years together and all these amazing successes that we have had. And we definitely also close it in style. So, thank you very much for that."

Verstappen shared an embrace with Norris, who was full of emotion as he took in the special moment.

Speaking this team on the radio after crossing the finish line, Norris struggled to hold back the teams after becoming the first British F1 champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2020.

"Thank you guys," he told his team.

"Oh my god. You made a kid's dream come true. Thanks so much. I love you guys. Thanks for everything. You deserve it."

Norris added: "I love you, Mom. I love you, Dad. Thanks for everything. Oh, I'm crying."

He ended the triumphant season with 18 podiums, seven wins and 423 points.