What they say

"The sport needed a new world champion and I think it was well done in the end, Max Verstappen has driven very well the whole season."

Jackie Stewart, British three-time world champion

"What a showdown! I love champions, records and stories that make my heart beat 300 beats a minute. Congratulations World Champion@Max33Verstappen. And to@LewisHamilton for an epic season and a story that surely continues."

Mario Andretti, 1978 F1 world champion

"It's going to be commented on in terms of rules about the safety car. I can understand they (Mercedes) are not going to be happy about that. It was exceptional for the show. Always going to be controversial. I try to feel the happiness for Max and the sadness for Lewis."

Alain Prost, four-time world champion

"A lot of not very happy people. And a lot of very happy people. This is a new way of running the sport where the Race Director can make these ad hoc decisions. It's been a bit too 'guess what I'm going to do now', I think."

Damon Hill, 1996 world champion

"Max is an absolutely fantastic driver who has had an incredible season and I have nothing but huge respect for him, but what just happened is absolutely unacceptable. I cannot believe what we've just seen."

George Russell, Williams driver

"Wow. What an incredible ending of a Formula 1 season to remember forever! Two fantastic teams going all in for the win but there can only be one winner. A true champion replaced by another true champion. Congrats to @Max33Verstappen. You made us proud."

Robin Van Persie, Former Netherlands soccer team star

"What a race! Congrats to Max for becoming the World Champion for the 1st time&there will be many more. However, my heart goes out to Lewis. What a season he's had too. If not for the safety car, the trophy would've been his. Sheer bad luck. All the best for the next season."

Sachin Tendulkar, Indian cricket great