Some described the scene as "awkward".
Plenty of F1 commentators found it too difficult to ignore the impulse to make the joke about Shaq finishing the race in P1.5.
Shaq congratulated each of the three drivers as they took their steps onto the podium, leaving them lookle like little play things for the former Los Angeles Lakers champion.
Hamilton admitted after the race, Red Bull were simply too strong across the weekend.
"Firstly congratulations to Max, he did a great job today," Hamilton said before the podium celebrations.
"It was such a tough race. Got a good start and gave it absolutely everything but at the end of the day they just had the upper hand this weekend."
Red Bull boss Christian Horner told Verstappen on the team radio after the victory: "Sheer class Max, that was classy. What a drive. What a drive".
He admitted after the race he was beyond nervous about the team's early stop strategy that ultimately decided the race.
Verstappen won the race by just 1.3 seconds.
The crucial moment may have been lap 54 when Hamilton was bizarrely 0.5 seconds slower, despite being on a charge with the fresher tyres.
The championship now heads to Mexico in two weeks — a venue that has traditionally been friendly to Red Bull.
