Max Verstappen believes he won it 'on the track' at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix despite a controversial finish.
The 24-year-old snatched victory from Lewis Hamilton in the dying embers on Sunday to become 2021 Formula One World Champion.
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Many have disputed Verstappen's victory as he was given the chance to catch up to Hamilton thanks to a safety car.
However, he explained in a new interview at Red Bull HQ per The Independent: "I'm fine, I don't even think about it too much, because I do feel like the world champion, and it doesn't matter what they try to do.
"We won it on track, we won it when there was a green light and we passed them on track, and they will never be able to take that away from me anyway.
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"About the possible appeal - I'm not busy with that. As a team of course it might be disturbing, but for us we have been really enjoying the last few days."
Mercedes have until 7pm tonight to appeal as that's the time Verstappen will be handed his official trophy in Paris.
The entire season came down to one lap after Nicholas Latifi's crash with six laps to go.
Hamilton was leading at that point, but had tyres he'd been using since lap 14.
Verstappen caught up with his fresh tyres and aggressively overtook Hamilton to win his first world title.
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The Dutchman has been accused of being 'too aggressive' this season and a number of incidents with Hamilton have been under the spotlight.
However, he believes it has been justified and spoke fondly of his rival.
"You look each other in the eye," Verstappen continued.
"You don't say a lot but you do relate a lot and you really appreciate the fight.
"Sometimes we did hate each other, but that's fine. That's the competitive spirit of both of us. He is an incredible driver."
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Hamilton also praised his rival and their rivalry immediately after the race on Sunday.
The pair also embraced in a classy moment.
Featured Image Credit: BBC SportTopics: Formula One, Lewis Hamilton, F1, Max Verstappen
