Lewis Hamilton showed his class by being the first driver to congratulate Max Verstappen on his fourth Drivers’ Championship.
George Russell took the chequered flag ahead of Hamilton at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but the night belonged to Verstappen after winning his fourth consecutive world title.
The Dutchman did what was necessary by finishing ahead of Lando Norris, meaning the British driver could no longer catch him in the standings with two races remaining.
Despite not finishing on the podium, Verstappen was given the honour of joining the top three on the grid after the race to celebrate his triumph.
Lewis Hamilton was the first driver to congratulate Max Verstappen
F1TV
Verstappen immediately celebrated with his team on the grid after getting out of his car.
And Hamilton was the first driver to go over to Verstappen and congratulate the 27-year-old on his triumph.
Russell soon followed as the pair shared some kinds words for each other before Yuki Tsunoda and Fernando Alonso also congratulated the four-time world champion.
Hamilton also started his post-race interview by congratulating Verstappen in another classy move.
“Firstly, I’ve got to say a big congratulations to Max on winning the championship still with several races to go,” he said.
And the seven-time world champion praised his rival once more in front of the media.
He added: “Congratulations to Max. He hasn’t had much competition in the last few races, obviously.
“He’s done a great job, he’s done what he’s supposed to do. They’ve done a great job as a team.”
Max Verstappen is a four-time world champion
GETTY
“It was great to see the McLarens pushing them hard, but Max held his own and did an outstanding job, so congratulations to him.”
Norris was unable to mount a challenge to Verstappen in Las Vegas as he struggled to find pace in his McLaren.
But the 25-year-old showed his class by praising Verstappen for his achievement.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Fernando Alonso also congratulated Max Verstappen
REUTERS
“Congrats to Max. Knowing the championship is 100 per cent over, we always had a little hope inside but he drove an incredible season.
“When he had the quickest car, he dominated, when he didn’t, he was still there and always in my heels.
“He made my life tough. We made his tough I’m sure at times. But he drove a better season and of course a big congrats to him. That’s the main thing.
“The race was pretty pants. Bad pace, bad grip, bad tyre management, just a poor weekend from us.”