Lasting impact
Final Malaysia F1 race gets the Bullish ending it deserves
SEPANG: The final Petronas Malaysia Formula 1 Grand Prix race went out with the kind of bang it deserved.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen not only became the final winner at the Sepang International Circuit, but the Dutchman also became the youngest to grace the top of the podium in 19 editions of the Malaysian GP.
Verstappen, who turned 20 on Saturday, did well to deny pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton of Britain a popular victory.
Verstappen overtook the Mercedes driver on the fourth lap for the lead and never looked back as he thundered to victory by more than 12 seconds.
Australian Daniel Ricciardo then brought the second Red Bull car home in third to complete the podium.
It is fitting that the honour of winning the final Formula 1 race at Sepang went to Verstappen, seen as a future world champion.
It was only two years ago at this very same venue that Verstappen raced with the panache of a veteran to become the youngest Grand Prix driver ever to score World Championship points with an impressive seventh place.
Verstappen, whose father Jos Verstappen also drove at Sepang for Arrows in 2000 and 2001, was only 17 then.
He went on to become the youngest driver to win a Formula 1 race when he triumphed at the Spanish Grand Prix last year.
His father looked emotional as he watched his son standing atop the podium for only the second time. Dutch fans also celebrated on the stands, with one fan even applauding with a pair of clogs.
Verstappen, who had only finished half of the races he started this season prior to Sepang, was relieved to win.
“It has been a dramatic season so far, this victory came at a very good time. I was very happy when I crossed the line and, together with my dad, I got this far. Of course, I had great help from Red Bull,” said Verstappen.
Hamilton also gave Petronas and the Malaysian home fans something to cheer about as he stretched his World Championship advantage to 34 points over second-placed Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.
The three-time world champion Mercedes driver has 281 points while Vettel, who fought from the back of the grid to finish a strong fourth, has 247 points with five races left.
Hamilton also graciously thanked the crowd who attended the final race.
“This is the biggest crowd we’ve ever had here in Malaysia. We needed that. It’s been such a great place for us for so many years. We appreciate you guys having us and all the support you’ve given us. So, thank you so much,” said Hamilton, who on Sunday joined Michael Schumacher of Germany as the only two drivers to have five podium finishes at Sepang.
“The race was a tough one. I love driving on this track over the years. It is the most difficult circuit. You are the most depleted afterwards and that’s a great thing.”