Max Verstappen won the championship in a dramatic manner at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. One of the talking points of the title-deciding race was the defense that Sergio Perez put up against Lewis Hamilton.

Now, a fortnight after that intense weekend, team boss, Christian Horner, and Verstappen look back at the infamous day and remember the drive Checo had displayed at the Yas Marina.

Max Verstappen remembers Sergio Perez’s defense against Hamilton

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was an intense race between Hamilton and Verstappen. The Dutch driver got some help from his Mexican teammate, as Checo tried to back up Hamilton so that Verstappen could regain the lead in the race.

The Mexican displayed such a great defense, it was praised by the entire Formula One community. Even Max was impressed and gave Checo a fitting title in a recent video, where they looked back at the race.

Top Stories

Zak Brown & McLaren Possibly in Deep Trouble as Mercedes Cuts Engine Supply for F1 2026

Little Fan Makes “Super Important” Charles Leclerc Wish With a Promise to See Him at the Italian GP

Who Is Oscar Piastri’s Father, Chris Piastri? Co-Founder of Multibillion Dollar Automotive Company

Red Bull Could Descend Into a Ferrari-Like State & Here Is Why!

Oscar Piastri Reveals How Father, Chris’ Contribution to $35 BN Giant Birthed His F1 Career

Horner read a message on the wall, which said, “Checo best defence ever,” which made him and Max smile. Verstappen soon responded saying, “He is the minister of defense now.” Reacting to this, Horner laughed and said, “Yeah exactly.”

Watch Story: From Serena Williams to Chris Hemsworth: Celebrities Lured by the Glitz and Glamor of Monaco

Remembering the dramatic race at Yas Marina

The Dutch driver started from pole position for Sunday’s race, but Hamilton took the lead as soon as the lights went out. Sergio Perez of Red Bull, on the other hand, resolutely refused to let the Mercedes driver pass him so that Verstappen could catch up.

After Hamilton passed Perez, it seemed like only a matter of time before he took the win. With just a few laps remaining, Max’s title hopes were fading away, until Nicholas Latifi crashed, bringing out a safety car. Later, a controversial decision by the FIA saw both title contenders side by side for the last laps of the race.

Lewis did his best to keep Verstappen in his rearview mirrors, but failed; resulting in Max taking the lead of the race to the chequered flag. With such an intense end to the season, the Formula One community can’t wait to see what the 2022 season has in store for them. What are your predictions for next year? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More: Sir Max Verstappen? The Dutchman Shares His Thoughts on Hamilton’s Knighthood- “World Champion Is Enough”