Formula 1 can be a cruel sport at times. One day, the racing gods are in your favor and miracles happen. The very next day your name can be in the mud. This is exactly what the 2-time Champion Max Verstappen was counting on when he went into ‘that‘ race in Abu Dhabi in 2021.
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The 2021 season finale saw both Hamilton and Verstappen go into the title decider on equal points. It was simple. Whoever won between the two, the World Championship was theirs. And up until the point where only 6 laps were remaining, Lewis Hamilton had it in the bag. What happened next will go down in the annals of Formula 1 history.
Even though Verstappen, for the majority of the race, wasn’t in the running to actually beat Hamilton, he did have some historical context to give him hope. He explained this to Motorsport-total. He said, “The only thing I said to myself at the time was: He’s won seven titles and won one of them when it looked like he was going to lose.”
“And then the situation turned around again on the last lap.”
Verstappen went on to pick up his maiden title at the end of that race. For many, that single event ruined the credibility of his championship victory. He’s shut his critics up every time since.
That being said, at least as long as Lewis Hamilton is concerned, he has Verstappen’s sympathy.
Max Verstappen lends his full sympathy to Lewis Hamilton after Abu Dhabi defeat
The 2021 Championship battle was a titanic battle between arguably two legends of our sport. And it all went down to the last race of the 2021 season at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Many would say Lewis Hamilton was wronged, and so does he himself. But what does Max Verstappen think about this?
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 09: Second placed Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing speaks with race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP in parc ferme after the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 09, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Emilio Morenatti – Pool/Getty Images)
According to the 2-time Champion, he can fully understand Hamilton’s perspective. He said, “But yes, I felt for him. Of course, there were moments when we clashed, but I’ve always respected him, and I think we had a great duel.”
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If Mercedes can pull their act together in 2023, will Lewis Hamilton be able to defeat Max Verstappen to win that elusive 8th title?