WATCH: F1 legend Mario Andretti on Max Verstappen – The rise of a champion

F1 legend Mario Andretti narrates the rise of Max Verstappen, after the Dutch driver claimed his maiden Formula 1 World Championship at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Andretti looks at the roots of Formula 1's latest champion, whose sister, mother and ex-F1 driving father all have a passion for motorsport.

But it was Max who made the meteoric rise and captured the hearts of the Netherlands' orange-clad fans – the "legions of the lion" – who dreamed of this day.

READ MORE: ‘I’ve achieved everything’ – Verstappen says further F1 success will be ‘a bonus’ after claiming maiden title

As the US racing legend says, the Dutch champion has come under intense scrutiny, criticism, and pressure – never buckling, and winning the ultimate prize.

"You have dreamed of your moment and you have lived it every day. And now, you get to taste it," says 1978 champ Andretti.

Watch the rise of Max Verstappen in the video player above.