The entirety of the 2021 season split the Formula 1 fanbase into two halves. As Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen locked horns until the very end in 2021, so did the fans. In fact, an entire Formula 1 season later, the 2021 Abu Dhabi is still a topic of discussion for some. However, focusing on the positives this time, former Red Bull driver David Coulthard delivered his opinion on the topic.

Speaking to reporters at a recent Red Bull event in Dublin, Coultard praised Hamilton for his graceful display after arguably an unjust defeat. Coulthard admitted not many drivers could’ve handled such a heartbreaking defeat in the same manner Hamilton did.

“The way Lewis handled it was fantastic,” said Coulthard. “Maybe when he was younger, it would have been more difficult to do that. But he’s in his late 30s, he’s done a few laps, and I think with age comes maturity.– that maturity I think enables you to deal with different situations.”

However, putting himself in Hamilton’s shoes, the Brit admitted he would not have been as graceful. “I would have kicked off,” he added. “I would still be complaining to the European Court of Appeal!”

Read More: “One of the Most Emotionally Charged Moments in the History”: Alternate Abu Dhabi Ending Narrative Will Bring Chills to All Lewis Hamilton Fans

Coulthard’s honest admission puts how gracefully the nearly eight-time world champion handled the entire situation. That night in Abu Dhabi was incredible on many accounts. Max Verstappen also made an interesting revelation about what he was going through at the end. In all, it was a night that will not be forgotten soon.

In fact, the world got a reminder of the same at the 2022 Italian GP.

How the 2022 Italian GP would have reminded Lewis Hamilton of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP

The decision of Michael Masi to un-lap the lapped cars and also call in the safety car in the same lap will forever haunt Hamilton. This was proved at the 2022 Italian GP, where the race ended behind a safety car in the premier class. Additionally, two laps were voided in Formula 2. This brought back memories from the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP.

Fans, F1 entities, Hamilton, and even Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reacted to the safety car finish at Imola in 2022. Wolff even commented, “That is the rule and you have to follow the rule. It might not have been a spectacular end to a race, but rules are there and you have to follow them.”  

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FIA’s admission of “human error” did not do any good. However, Hamilton might already moved past the incidents of 2021. The Brit will not be focusing on getting back on top in 2023.