“That Comforts Him” – Max Verstappen Explains Why Lewis Hamilton Isn’t as Hurt by Heartbreaking F1 Title Loss

Would you agree if someone claims Lewis Hamilton to be a racing driver that lacks sportsmanship? Definitely not! The 7-time world champion endured one of the most painful moments in his Formula 1 career in Abu Dhabi last weekend where he watched his record 8th championship title taken away hardly a mile away from the chequered flag.

Hence, considering how the final lap played out amidst controversy, a lot anticipated Hamilton to explode out of frustration. But, in the end, that wasn’t the case, as the Briton remained in his car, speechless, for quite a long time, before walking straight to Verstappen to congratulate him on winning the title.

Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton looks dejected after finishing second in the race and the world championship Pool via REUTERS/Kamran Jebreili

Hamilton was indeed absolutely devastated by the result at Yas Marina. However, Max Verstappen opined that already being a 7-time world champion, losing his 8th wouldn’t have hurt Hamilton so much.

And, had it been the other way around, Verstappen sounded certain that he would’ve been mentally crushed, unlike his rival, who managed to keep his cool throughout the night.

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Lewis Hamilton is a great sportsman: Max Verstappen

Following the title-winning race in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen had words of praise for his rival, Hamilton, during his latest interview with Sky Sports F1.

“Yeah, no, definitely! I also think so. Of course, it helps that you already have seven titles. I think that comforts him a bit,” he said.

Max Verstappen has revealed he received a congratulatory text message from Toto Wolff after the #AbuDhabiGP

And he says of Lewis Hamilton: “Lewis has been a great sportsman in general.”#SkyF1 | #F1

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) December 13, 2021

“Yeah, it would have… I think if it was the other way around, it would be more painful, you know, because I didn’t have one. So, you know, Lewis is a great sportsman in general. He came up to me and congratulated me and then. It must have been, of course, very tough in that last lap.

Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton after finishing second in the race and world championship with race and world championship winner Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and third placed in the race Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

“But, yeah, that also shows the respect we have for each other in general. Of course, we had our tough times throughout the season But, in the end, we respect what we were doing and we were pushing each other to the limit the whole season. So, it has been really enjoyable racing against him.”

Overall, the curtains have fallen over what has been a dramatic season, and it is Verstappen who has managed to steal the show. But, equal credits to Hamilton for his resilient fight against the now 1-time world champion. So, will this amazing rivalry extend itself into the next season as well?

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The post “That Comforts Him” – Max Verstappen Explains Why Lewis Hamilton Isn’t as Hurt by Heartbreaking F1 Title Loss appeared first on EssentiallySports.