Lewis Hamilton concedes to feeling “robbed” following Max Verstappen’s contentious victory in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Mercedes star remains convinced that he deserved to claim his eighth Formula One world championship that season, a feat ultimately achieved by Verstappen in the dramatic final lap at Yas Marina.
Heading into the decisive race, Hamilton and Verstappen were tied on 369.5 points, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown. Hamilton was leading behind a late safety car when race director Michael Masi’s error in applying the rules allowed Verstappen, on fresh tires, to close in on the leader.
Verstappen capitalized on the opportunity after the race resumed, leaving Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff furious and Hamilton devastated. Masi was subsequently dismissed by the FIA for his mishandling of the finale.
Hamilton has not secured a Grand Prix victory since then, and the impact of his loss continues to weigh on him. Reflecting on the ordeal, Hamilton acknowledged feeling robbed but found solace in the presence of his father during the trying moment.
In an interview with GQ, Hamilton recounted the emotional experience, stating, “Was I robbed? Obviously. I mean, you know the story. But I think what was really beautiful in that moment, which I take away from it, was my dad was with me. We’d gone through this huge roller coaster of life together, ups and downs. And the day that it hurt the most, he was there, and the way he raised me was to always stand up, keep your head high.”
Despite the lingering pain, Hamilton expressed a sense of peace with the outcome, recognizing the pivotal moment where he could either succumb to defeat or rise above it. Verstappen’s subsequent dominance in the sport has seen him claim two more championships, with a fourth title on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Hamilton has endured a challenging start to the current F1 season, scoring just eight points in the first three races. He is poised to join Ferrari next year, marking a significant transition in his career.
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