Max Verstappen laughed at George Russell after the Mercedes star admitted he slept on the plane after taking his first Grand Prix win. Russell made the admission while alongside Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo in the press conference ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
He commented: “I think there was quite a lot of us on that flight. There was Carlos (Sainz), Myself, Charles (Leclerc), Pierre (Gasly), Kevin (Magnussen), Fernando (Alonso), Esteban (Ocon), Lewis (Hamilton). You’ve all missed out.
“I think there were so many emotions on Sunday night. Speaking with all you guys afterwards and the celebrations with the team. Then everyone was in a bit of a rush to get to the airport. The flight didn’t take off until 3am and I was absolutely knackered.”
Verstappen interrupted as he gave details of what other drivers were saying about Russell’s journey.
READ MORE: Mercedes boss Wolff hints at Bottas regret after Russell’s first win
He added: “It’s something I’ve worked my whole life towards and what you dream of as a child. My years in Formula One you dream of that moment. Going to every race sort of believing you can achieve it but sometimes recognising very early on in a weekend that it’s not going to be possible.
“The stars just seemed to align that weekend and the race on Sunday was perfect. Coming away with maximum points was pretty special.” However, the 25-year-old admitted the win had not affected him when asked in the press conference if it would make him a different driver.
Russell explained: “No I don’t think so to be hornets. I always believed I could achieve victories and you believe you can become a world champion. For sure confidence is huge and the morale within the team is booming but I don’t suddenly feel transformed overnight. I still feel the same driver I was this time one week ago.”
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