The Dutchman missed out on the crown by just two points

Max Verstappen spoke of his pride after four-year run as F1 world champion came to an end on Sunday.

Winning the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi saw him claim a third win in as many weeks, bringing the Red Bull Racing man within two points of a fifth straight crown as McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed his first title.

The Dutchman needed to win at the Yas Marina circuit and hope for Norris to finish outside of the podium places, but the Brit’s third spot was enough to keep his nose ahead.

Verstappen though mounted a stunning comeback, having been over 100 points adrift at one stage, and he said to come within two of the crown by the end was a reason to be positive.

“I’m very proud of the whole team and I’m so proud of the incredible turnaround that we had,” he said afterwards.

“We never gave up and always believed we could turn things around and never stopped trying. We could have very easily just have given up, but we kept pushing, looking for improvements and always believed.

“This season has been a massive rollercoaster, with lots of tough moments and feelings, but I’m so proud of everyone and we have really come together as a team.

“The turnaround in the second half of the season was incredible and pretty crazy that we could do that and we kept overcoming a lot of things as a team.”

Speaking about the final race, he continued: “We had an incredible weekend and did everything as best as we could, so ultimately I feel good today.

“Although not winning a championship by two points looks painful, going back to Zandvoort we were behind by over 100 points, so am very proud of what we have achieved.

“I wanted to thank the whole team in the factory and on track: we never gave up and always believed. I am very proud of the people that I work with."

Paying tribute to Norris, he added: “Of course, for Lando this is something very special and I hope he enjoys it a lot. The first Championship win is the most emotional one and it is something you dream of since you were a little kid. His family are here and I hope he enjoys tonight with his team.”