SOUR Mercedes fans trolled Max Verstappen on winning his "first championship" in Formula One following the 2021 controversy in Abu Dhabi.
Verstappen won his first F1 world title last season in controversial fashion, which saw Merc's Lewis Hamilton miss out on a record-breaking eighth.
Former race director Michael Masi allowed five cars to unlap themselves after the safety car which enabled Verstappen, on fresh tyres, to overtake Hamilton on the last lap.
Fast forward 18 races and Verstappen became a double F1 world champion, winning his 12th race of the season at Suzuka.
The 25-year-old Dutchman defended his title before Merc and Hamilton could record a win this campaign.
And Merc fans still haven't let go of Abu Dhabi, bitterly congratulating Verstappen on his "first" world title.
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Lewis Hamilton congratulates rival Max Verstappen over F1 title defence
One said: "Congratulations on ‘WINNING’ your 1st Championship."
Another fuming fan said: "Max Verstappen might just win his FIRST championship shortly and it will be well deserved since Ferrari fumbled their chance.
"Here's to hoping Merc come back stronger next szn."
Merc fans aren't the only ones "hoping Merc come back stronger" next season… so is Hamilton.
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Hamilton says he has "no doubts" Mercedes will "build a better car next year" that could challenge Red Bull and Ferrari.
The Brit also issued a short but sweet congratulations to his rival.
He said after the race: "Congrats to Max.
"I think for us, we know what the problems are with this car.
"I believe that we as a team, we've not gone from being world champions to not being able to build a good car.
"I have no doubts we'll build a better car next year.
"Whether or not we rectify the issues from this year, we'll find out when we get there."
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