Shocking: Danica Patrick Slams Hamilton's Belgian ......Read more

Danica Patrick Slams Hamilton’s Belgian GP Win, Says Russell or Verstappen Deserved Victory

In a statement that has sparked widespread debate within the motorsport community, former racing driver and current motorsport commentator Danica Patrick has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, claiming that George Russell or Max Verstappen, not Lewis Hamilton, should have won the race. Known for her candid opinions, Patrick didn’t hold back in her post-race analysis, criticizing the result and suggesting that the race dynamics unfairly favored Hamilton.

“George Russell or Max Verstappen should have been the winner of the Belgian GP, not Lewis Hamilton,” Patrick declared with conviction. “Both George and Max demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy throughout the race, and it’s disappointing to see them miss out on the win, especially given how the race unfolded.”

Patrick’s comments were made during her analysis after the race, where she voiced her belief that Russell and Verstappen delivered performances that were more deserving of the top podium spot than Hamilton. She argued that the efforts of the two drivers were overshadowed by circumstances that allowed Hamilton to secure the victory, which she found disheartening.

“George was methodical and precise, and Max was both aggressive and controlled,” Patrick continued. “They both raced like champions, and it’s a shame that their efforts weren’t rewarded with the win. This isn’t about discrediting Lewis, but when you look at the race as a whole, it’s clear who the real stars were.”

The Belgian Grand Prix, held at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, is known for its challenging layout and unpredictable weather conditions, which often lead to thrilling and dramatic races. This year’s race was no exception, with all three drivers—Hamilton, Russell, and Verstappen—pushing themselves and their cars to the limit. However, it was Hamilton who ultimately emerged victorious, leveraging his extensive experience and racecraft to secure the win.

Despite Hamilton’s triumph, Patrick’s comments reflect a belief that Russell and Verstappen outperformed Hamilton in terms of both skill and strategy. She suggested that the race dynamics, including team strategies and possibly even race conditions, unfairly tilted the outcome in Hamilton’s favor, leaving the other two drivers without the win she felt they deserved.

“George and Max were the real standouts in this race,” Patrick emphasized. “Lewis is a fantastic driver, no doubt, but sometimes it’s about more than just who crosses the line first. It’s about recognizing the best performance, and in this case, I think the wrong driver was celebrated.”

Patrick’s critique has ignited a heated discussion among Formula 1 fans, commentators, and analysts. Some agree with her assessment, believing that Russell and Verstappen were unlucky not to win, while others defend Hamilton’s performance, arguing that he fully deserved the victory given the circumstances of the race.

Max Verstappen, who has been a dominant force in recent seasons, was a strong contender throughout the race, showcasing his usual blend of aggressive driving and strategic acumen. Meanwhile, George Russell’s performance was widely praised for its maturity and precision, with many noting that he continues to develop into one of the sport’s top talents. Despite their impressive efforts, neither could outmaneuver Hamilton, who used his vast experience to take the checkered flag.

As of now, Lewis Hamilton has not responded to Patrick’s remarks. However, the situation adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing rivalry between the top drivers in Formula 1. With the season far from over, the competition between Hamilton, Russell, and Verstappen is expected to become even more intense, with each race bringing new challenges and potential surprises.

Patrick’s outspoken views are not new; she has built a reputation for her bold and often controversial opinions since transitioning from a racing driver to a commentator. Her latest comments have once again highlighted the subjective nature of motorsport, where what constitutes a “deserved” win is often open to interpretation and debate.

In summary, Danica Patrick’s sharp criticism of the outcome of the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix has stirred a significant discussion in the Formula 1 community. By arguing that George Russell or Max Verstappen deserved the victory over Lewis Hamilton, Patrick has added another dimension to the ongoing championship battle. As the season progresses, the rivalry between these top drivers is set to heat up further, promising more excitement and unpredictability in the races to come.