Despite the sea of headlines and controversies surrounding Formula 1 at the moment, the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP remains the biggest of them all. The outcome of the race was perhaps the most heart-wrenching for any driver in modern F1 history. Any driver in Lewis Hamilton‘s position would fight for it for years to come, as Felipe Massa is. However, a little over two years later, the Brit hasn’t forgotten but has forgiven and moved past the whole scenario as he looks towards a brighter, redder future. He made this admission while discussing the shocking rumors linking Max Verstappen to Mercedes as his replacement.

The controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi GP lives free in the minds of millions of fans as some labeled it a “travesty of justice”. Now the silly world of Formula 1 is bringing forth a reality where Verstappen could be donning the Mercedes overalls thanks to Hamilton’s Ferrari switch. Giving this hypothetical scenario his push, as quoted by Racer, Hamilton forgave Verstappen while shifting the blame on the sport.

“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised, no,” Hamilton said of the speculation about the move, “because he’s a great driver. We spoke back then [after the controversial conclusion to the 2021 championship battle], I think Max in that moment did what he had to do — there was nothing on him, it was the sport that let us down. I think that wasn’t his fault. Me in his position, I would have done exactly the same thing, so there’s no issue there.”

“But I think if you run a team, you want to have the best driver in — you want, as a team, the driver that brings in the eyeballs brings in the sponsorships and he is one of those, so I understand it. It wouldn’t make sense for him, but it will be interesting to see,” he concluded while sharing his views on the potential transfer of Verstappen to Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton’s Abu Dhabi Wounds Get Healing as F1 Top Dog Promises a Better Future: “These Things Shouldn’t Happen”

So there you have it folks, Sir Lewis Hamilton has left the past in the past and moved on. We doubt it will be enough to convince all fans to do the same but he’s taken the first step. Although, the Brit did highlight the part not many can make sense of. Why would Verstappen leave Red Bull to join Mercedes? In fact, he isn’t the only one.

Former F1 racer begs the same question Lewis Hamilton has on Max Verstappen’s rumored link to Mercedes

Ever since Jos Verstappen has openly called out Christian Horner despite him being given the all-clear, the Verstappen to Mercedes rumors have gathered much steam. However, the fact remains, Horner or no Horner, Red Bull Racing is still the strongest team on the grid with the fastest car. Moreover, they have an advantage even for the next season or at least till the new regulations are implemented in 2026.

This is exactly why former racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck had a brutal assessment of the rumor. He said, “Verstappen would be incredibly stupid if he did that. Red Bull is the best team, even if Horner were to leave.”

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On the other hand, instead of Verstappen, he chose his champion to replace the outgoing Hamilton at Mercedes. “Sebastian Vettel will drive for Mercedes next year,” he predicted. “It’s boring and would have another chance to have a great team. In my opinion, Vettel drives 100 percent for Mercedes.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton Expresses Gratitude to Sebastian Vettel for Saving Him in “Brave” Fashion From Horrific Reality of F1

One can never rule out a comeback from a retired F1 driver and driving for Mercedes, even for a year would be incredible for the sport. Regardless, various permutations are possible, so let’s wait and see what this silly season has to offer.