Would you agree if someone claims Lewis Hamilton to be a racing driver who lacks sportsmanship? Definitely not! The 7-time world champion endured one of the most painful moments in his Formula 1 career in Abu Dhabi last weekend where he watched his record 8th championship title taken hardly a mile away from the chequered flag.

Hence, considering how the final lap played out amidst controversy, many anticipated Hamilton to explode out of frustration. But, in the end, that wasn’t the case; the Briton remained in his car, speechless, for quite a long time, before walking straight to Verstappen to congratulate him on winning the title.

Hamilton was indeed absolutely devastated by the result at Yas Marina. However, Max Verstappen opined that already being a 7-time world champion, losing his 8th wouldn’t have hurt Hamilton so much.

And, had it been the other way around, Verstappen sounded certain that he would’ve been mentally crushed, unlike his rival, who managed to keep his cool throughout the night.

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Lewis Hamilton is a great sportsman: Max Verstappen

Following the title-winning race in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen had words of praise for his rival, Hamilton, during his latest interview with Sky Sports F1.

“Yeah, no, definitely! I also think so. Of course, it helps that you already have seven titles. I think that comforts him a bit,” he said.

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“Yeah, it would have… I think if it was the other way around, it would be more painful, you know, because I didn’t have one. So, you know, Lewis is a great sportsman in general. He came up to me and congratulated me and then. It must have been, of course, very tough in that last lap.

“But, yeah, that also shows the respect we have for each other in general. Of course, we had our tough times throughout the season But, in the end, we respect what we were doing and we were pushing each other to the limit the whole season. So, it has been really enjoyable racing against him.”

Overall, the curtains have fallen over what has been a dramatic season, and it is Verstappen who has managed to steal the show. Credit to Hamilton for his resilient fight against Verstappen. So, will this amazing rivalry extend itself into the next season as well?

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