SHOCKING REVELATION: Max Verstappens words about Lewis Hamilton on viaplay Today…”I need to be honest”……Read more
Max Verstappen Praises Lewis Hamilton, Admits 2021 Championship Controversy
In a surprising and candid interview with Viaplay today, reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen acknowledged Lewis Hamilton as a “deserving” eight-time world champion, hinting at the contentious 2021 season finale. Verstappen’s comments have sparked a fresh wave of debate among fans and analysts, reigniting discussions about the controversial events that unfolded at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021.
Verstappen, who clinched his first World Championship title in 2021 in a dramatic and highly debated final race, spoke openly about the respect he holds for Hamilton and the challenges he faced while competing against him. “It’s been an honour to be battling with an eight-time world champion,” Verstappen stated, inadvertently referring to Hamilton as an eight-time champion instead of his official seven titles.
When questioned about the slip of the tongue, Verstappen responded with unexpected honesty. “I need to be honest… Lewis deserved 2021 if rules were followed,” he admitted, directly referencing the controversial decisions made by then-Race Director Michael Masi during the final laps of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 2021 season remains one of the most dramatic in F1 history, with the title race between Verstappen and Hamilton coming down to the final race. After a season of intense rivalry and multiple clashes on track, the championship decider at Yas Marina Circuit saw Verstappen win his first title after a late-race safety car period, during which only some lapped cars were allowed to un-lap themselves, leading to a one-lap shootout between the two title contenders. The decision, which was later criticized for its inconsistency with standard procedures, allowed Verstappen to overtake Hamilton, who was leading the race until that point, and claim the championship.
Verstappen’s latest comments are particularly significant as they mark the first time he has publicly conceded that the outcome of the 2021 season could have been different had the race been handled according to the usual regulations. His acknowledgment of Hamilton as an “eight-time world champion” suggests that Verstappen recognizes the legitimacy of Hamilton’s claim to the 2021 title, a view shared by many fans and experts who felt that Hamilton was unfairly denied his eighth championship.
The Dutch driver’s admission has been met with a mix of reactions. Some fans have praised Verstappen for his honesty and sportsmanship, while others view his comments as a tacit acknowledgment of the controversy that still surrounds his first title. For Hamilton’s supporters, Verstappen’s words might offer some validation for the sense of injustice that has lingered since 2021.
As the 2024 season continues, Verstappen’s remarks may serve to cool the rivalry between him and Hamilton, but they also highlight the ongoing debate over the fairness of the 2021 championship. Whether these comments will lead to further discussions within the F1 community remains to be seen, but for now, Verstappen’s words have certainly added a new dimension to the legacy of that unforgettable season.
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