Despite 'last lap luck', Verstappen deserves the title according to Todt

Lewis Hamilton et Toto wolff absent from the awards ceremony this Thursday, Max Verstappen was accompanied by his team principal Christian Horner and the now former FIA president Jean Todt on the podium to respond to journalists.

Attending his last gala as president of the FIA, Jean Todt did not escape questions concerning the absence of the two strong men of Mercedes nor those of the investigation promised by the Federation after a dramatic finale in Abu Dhabi. Without much surprise, the former boss of Ferrari did not wish to linger on the subject. “ I think we should celebrate tonight, rather than trying to get into any sort of controversy. This is useless. What would that bring? he insisted from the outset.

In a way I'm sorry, because Mercedes should be much better rewarded, as eight-time Manufacturers' world champion: it's unique. Unique. But this young man (Max Verstappen. Editor’s note) has done an exceptional job, and that's what we should focus on, rather than asking if we're going to punish so-and-so because he doesn't come. Frankly, I don't think this is the platform to talk about this. We should be above this. I've had a pretty interesting career. I spent 12 years as president of the FIA ​​and people ask me: 'What do you think?' I am very sincere: I am happy to leave at 70%, and the 70% is partly because of (questions) like that."

Champion's Luck

If he had focused on the party for his last gala as boss of the Federation, Jean Todt announced that the commission set up would not only analyze the arrival of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix otherwise the whole year. “ Are we perfect? We are not perfect, he continues? This is also why I suggested re-examining all of this to see what can be improved, in light of what happened. Not just for this race but for what happened throughout the year. If we can improve, should we refuse it? No. We have to be perfectionists and, in a way, the F1 is the result of perfection. You know, a great pilot is not enough. A fast car is not enough. Everything must come together to be successful. »

Finally, Jean Todt did not forget to tip his hat to Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen whose performances offered one of the greatest seasons in the history of F1. “ Lewis is an exceptional champion. He never makes a mistake. He has contributed to an incredible combination: probably the best car, the best team, and he never makes a mistake. Simply, this time Verstappen has won 10 Grands Prix and we should find that remarkable.

I think he got what he deserved. He had a very good season (…) It’s true that he was very lucky in the last round. But we should see the whole season. Was he lucky at Silverstone? Was he lucky in Azerbaijan? Was he lucky in Budapest? No, you know. » What definitively closes the debate?

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