Verstappen: Emotional in-lap driving RB19 for last time

And the Dutchman cannot be blamed for his flowing emotions, as the with the RB19, he delivered one of the most memorable F1 seasons in the history of the sport winning a record breaking 19 races, Red Bull winning 21 races out of 22 and achieving their first ever one-two in the Drivers' Championship as Sergio Perez finished runner up behind Verstappen.

"It's been an unforgettable season," Verstappen said in Red Bull's post race media brief. "It was emotional on the in-lap driving the RB19 for the last time, this car and Team has given me so much.

"I have to say a big thank you to everyone at Red Bull, we’ve had an incredible year," he added. "It will be hard to replicate a year like this but we always want to do better and to improve so let's see what we can do next year.

"In the meantime, I think the whole Team and everyone in the paddock needs a rest and to spend some time with friends and family. It's been a simply lovely year," the triple F1 Champion concluded.

Perez lamented the penalty he received for contact with Lando Norris, and was in hot waters with the stewards after the race for radio comments they did not like.

He commented after finishing fourth: "Overall, we had a good race today. I think I could have maybe stretched it to a one stop, it’s something to look at and review. It probably would have been possible, but we will never know!

"My honest opinion is it was just a racing incident with Lando [Norris]," he added, "but unfortunately, the stewards didn’t agree with that and I got the penalty and lost second place in the final race of the season."

Perez had a tough season, as despite starting strong, his performance dropped putting his future with the team in the spotlight.

He reflected: "I have learnt this season to never give up, we have had some tough times, ups and downs but it only matters where you finish when the season ends here.

"I am happy with the whole Team, they have done a tremendous job and we deserved a lot more today and at times this season.

"We have had the best season in our history and so much credit to Max, he has been outstanding. Next year we have another chance and we go for it," the Mexican concluded.