The proper test of an athlete’s true character isn’t when they’re at their highest, but when they’re at their lowest. And after missing out on his record-breaking eighth world championship title under controversial circumstances, Lewis Hamilton showed his class as a champion.

Graciously the Briton accepted his defeat that must’ve been crushing because of the way it happened.

This attitude is something Jolyon Palmer appreciates about the Mercedes driver. Palmer compared him to Felipe Massa, who also had a similar reaction after he narrowly missed out on the 2008 title to Hamilton.

Palmer wrote about Hamilton, “I was most surprised by his attitude and his maturity.”

“When he was sent to the end of the field in Brazil, he kept calm and won on Sunday.” Palmer added, “Even more impressive was his reaction to the devastating defeat in Abu Dhabi, which was determined by events beyond his control.”

“Nevertheless, Lewis was very generous and demonstrated the sporting spirit of a champion, much like Felipe Massa in the 2008 season when he lost out to Lewis.”

The classy reaction of a defeated Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton, who remained in his car for a long time after the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi, was visibly desolate after the result. But despite the bitter taste of defeat, Hamilton congratulated his rival Max Verstappen. He also appreciated his team and kept his thoughts of the controversial circumstances of the race to himself.

“Firstly, big congratulations to Max and to his team,” Hamilton had said.

He added, “I’m so proud of my own team and we gave it absolutely everything. I’ve felt great in the car the last couple of months.”

“We’ll see what happens next year.”

Although he mentioned ‘next year’, his future in F1 is currently unclear. Ever since team principal Toto Wolff hinted at Hamilton’s retirement, his future has been the cause of massive speculation.

Regardless, his fans would hope Lewis Hamilton continues in F1.

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