Max Verstappen Opens Up on Crucial Final-Lap Move in 2021 F1 Title Decider – “Hamilton Didn’t Expect Me to Overtake Him There…”
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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
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has revealed it all after the sensational victory in Abu Dhabi to win his maiden Drivers’ Championship last season. Verstappen ended the season with 395.5 points, 8 clear of rival Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, on the other hand, was astonishingly denied a record-breaking 8th title after finishing second.
View this post on InstagramMax Verstappen Opens Up on Crucial Final-Lap Move in 2021 F1 Title Decider – “Hamilton Didn’t Expect Me to Overtake Him There…”
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Speaking on ‘Verstappen: Lion Unleashed’, he said, “He [Hamilton] didn’t expect me to overtake him there. We had less downforce that weekend so we had more top speed, so I wanted to be up front because without DRS I can defend.”
“Even if he had come alongside me he could never overtake me because of the top-speed advantage. With the grip I had, I went for that corner and defended those other corners.”
Williams driver Nicholas Latifi’s crash towards the end of the race deployed a safety car with 5 laps to go. However, race director Michael Masi allowed lapped cars to overtake Hamilton aiding Verstappen in closing down an 11-second gap. The Dutchman, on fresher tyres, went for the kill and overtook Hamilton to produce a miraculous comeback and win the Championship.
Verstappen will use the ‘No. 1’ on the new RB18 after his maiden title win. The team also designed a new white and gold helmet for the Dutchman ahead of the upcoming season.
Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen: Part II?
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Despite Hamilton trailing his rival throughout the entire season, victories in Brazil and Qatar helped him go into the final race on the same points. Unfortunately, the 37-year old was unable to create history by overtaking Michael Schumacher, still tied on 7 titles.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Pre-Season Testing – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – February 25, 2022 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during testing REUTERS/Albert Gea
After speculation of Hamilton leaving F1, the Mercedes’ driver returns with a vengeance to get back his crown. Hamilton will team with George Russell in an All-English pairing. The duo has been impressive over three days of testing in Barcelona.
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The new W13 could well be the car to beat in 2022. However, with new regulations and bigger tyres, the Silver Arrows will face an uphill task to win the famous double this season. Hamilton will begin his 16th season in Formula 1, as he aims to shatter more records in Formula 1.
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