The end of the previous Formula 1 season was a true duel of the titans, as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton arrived at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix equal in points. However, the Dutchman knew how to take advantage of an oversight by the Briton to secure the lead on the last lap and thus become champion. However, Verstappen declared that he was about to not continue on the track due to a cramp in one of his legs.
“I tried to be really focused from the restart. Everything was working fine until I crossed the finish line and started getting cramps in my leg. It’s one of the most painful things that can happen because you’re going full throttle for a long period of time. You feel the muscle contract and become like a tennis ball,” the Dutch pilot told The Guardian.
The gallantry of the driver of 24 years and of the Red Bull team was one of the main reasons to win his first championship in Formula 1; in addition to overcoming every adversity he had last season.
“Of course the adrenaline helps because, if it happens when you are walking, you cannot move. It is impossible. But there was no choice, he had to do it. The more I accelerated fully, I could feel that my leg hurt more and more, that my foot was vibrating and I could not control it because the muscle was spasming“, Verstappen highlighted.
The Dutchman managed 10 trumps and 18 podiums and 395.5 points to stay at the top of the standings and win his first world championship.
“One more lap and I couldn’t have finished the race like this. The stress levels were so high in the last lap that the body is probably reacting to that. But you can’t give up, I knew I had more grip and these kinds of things make a difference.”
Finally, Verstappen got to know his new car, which will have the name of Red Bull RB 10 and he looks to be one of the best of the season and his evolution during each race will be key in the defense of the Dutchman’s title.
In this way, the Formula 1 world champion is ready to shine again on the tracks during each award of the season and also that he doesn’t feel any pressure about being the number one driver.
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