Alonso happy for Verstappen: 'It's a little bit of justice'

For much of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix it looked like Lewis Hamilton would win his eighth world title. However, a late safety car, a dubious stewards decision and a clever strategy from Red Bull Racing meant that it was Max Verstappen who secured his first ever world title. The last lap of the race is the subject of much debate, but one man is happy with it: Fernando Alonso.

In an interview with Dutch channel Ziggo Sport the Spaniard was in a good mood. He wonders where Jack Plooij was earlier and states that he was probably in church praying in the final phase of the race. "That, or you were in the bathroom," Alonso says.

Plooij says he gave up five laps before the end. "Then you were optimistic! Did you only realise that five laps before the end? Wow", says Alonso laughing. At the same time he is realistic and points out that Lewis Hamilton would probably have become champion if there had been no safety car.

"That was pure luck, we have to be honest about that," the Alpine driver observes. "On the other hand, he was unlucky so often this season, now it's more balanced. So it's a little bit of justice," said the two-time world champion.