Piers Morgan labelled Max Verstappen a "nut-job" as he congratulated the Red Bull driver on a "sensational" effort to win his maiden Formula One championship.
Verstappen, 24, claimed the title after a riveting conclusion to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday which saw him overtake Lewis Hamilton on the final lap.
The closing stages were filled with controversy after a yellow flag eliminated Hamilton's sizeable lead and race stewards allowed the lapped cars to overtake the safety car.
Mercedes have lodged an official complaint with governing body the FIA and team principal Toto Wolff refused to speak to the press.
The dispute surrounding the end of the race and its aftermath threatens to overshadow an exhilarating season-long battle between Verstappen and Hamilton.
Did Max Verstappen deserve to win the title ahead of Lewis Hamilton? Have your say in the comments!
Morgan labelled the 22-race 2021 campaign "the greatest ever" while taking to Twitter to lead the tributes to Verstappen.
"As for this guy, he’s an absolute nut-job but what a brilliant racing driver," the 56-year-old wrote. "Whatever your thoughts on what happened, that final lap manoeuvre was just sensational.
"Congrats Max Verstappen - a worthy champion in the greatest ever F1 season."
The former Good Morning Britain host also reserved praise for Hamilton for his magnanimous response to missing out on the title under divisive circumstances.
"Incredibly gracious reaction by Lewis Hamilton," Morgan added.
"He’s such a class act on & off the track, and never gets the full respect he deserves for being one of Britain’s greatest ever sportsmen."
During the race, Morgan claimed Hamilton had been "robbed" by the safety car debacle and this view was shared by his regular Twitter adversary Gary Lineker, who branded the episode "a joke".
Nonetheless, the Match of the Day presenter had kind words for the race victor and was keen to point out he is not to blame for the stewards' decisions.
"Congratulations to Max Verstappen on his first world championship," wrote Lineker.
"He’s not to blame for the decisions. He’s an absolutely superb driver and gave us the most incredible season."
The 61-year-old also shared Morgan's admiration for Hamilton, adding: "Wonderfully generous and dignified reaction from Lewis Hamilton. He really is very special, on the track, and off it. Class act to the end."
Many others also flocked to social media to congratulate Verstappen, with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk hailing his compatriot as a "a boss".
Tottenham posted a picture of the newly-crowned champion holding a Spurs shirt signed by Netherlands international Steven Bergwijn.
