The last 2 years have shown us a palpable and nail-biting rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. While 2022 was not a direct tussle between the 2021 protagonists, the tension was seething between the two titans. Hamilton struggled badly this year, as Max Verstappen marched his way to a 2nd world title. Whether they agree or not, their ugly rivalry might take the unpleasant route with Lewis’s latest stunt.

Hamilton abstained to participate in the annual Drivers’ Driver of the Year vote. As per Express Sport, the official F1 website reported Max Verstappen took the honors of the 2022 Driver of the Year, as his peer drivers voted. Lewis was a joint 3rd place with his teammate George Russell, behind the runner-up Charles Leclerc.

Except for Lewis, every driver participated in this vote, including retiree Sebastian Vettel, and outgoing drivers like Daniel Ricciardo, Mick Schumacher, and Nicholas Latifi. No one might know why the 7-time champion decided to not participate in the vote, considering it is just fun activity after the season.

Still, Lewis’ abstinence reflects his innate feelings about the events of the last 2 years. The Mercedes driver did not attend this year’s FIA Prize-giving Gala too as last year. Though his presence was not mandatory this year, given he did not finish in the top 3.

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Whether Hamilton is over his grief and strong feelings against Verstappen is the major question. But he needs to avoid such emotional barriers and move on to get his redemption. If the Silver Arrows Ace strikes back at Max in 2023, the infamous rivalry might take an ugly twist.

Is Lewis Hamilton over the Mental Fatigue of Battles with Max Verstappen?

Hamilton certainly has had a change in behavior in the last two years. The effect of his title battle with Verstappen is evident on the 7-time champion. His abstinence and denial to participate in several activities like Secret Santa or Driver of the Year show what his mental state might be.

Although, Lewis has opened up to some extent about last year’s events. Recently after he collided with Max again in Brazil, the Briton was quite open to discussing the incident. He cited Max’s dogged racing style and how he applies a Do-or-Die approach while racing wheel-to-wheel.

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Similarly, Lewis also discussed the Timo Glock incident back at his 2008 championship finale at Interlagos. The Briton was explicitly pointing out how the 2021 finale differed in a big way from his maiden title win.

Considering his trauma post the 2021 title decider, it is good to see Hamilton at least open up and express what he felt. Yet, his absence at certain off-track activities feels weird.

WATCH THIS STORY: Most heated moments between F1 rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton

Regardless, from Hamilton’s perspective, his true redemption and moving on will happen when starts winning races again and seal that record 8th world title. Do you think Lewis will be able to get his redemption?