Lewis Hamilton had the biggest heartbreak of his career in 2021 when he lost his eighth title to Max Verstappen during the last lap of the Abu Dhabi GP. The entire fanbase was divided into two factions and many people were speculating about some big decisions on Lewis’s end. Lewis’s loss was an unfortunate turn of events after Michael Masi’s blunder.
Lewis Hamilton was on the brink of history, which was snatched away at the last moment by Max Verstappen. While many people believed that Lewis would return stronger than ever in 2022, there were some who believed that the 7-time champ may retire after 2021 due to his loss.
Lewis Hamilton considers stepping away from Formula 1
Toto Wolff was extremely agonized by Lewis’s loss in Abu Dhabi and Christian Horner sympathized with Lewis even though Max and Lewis were involved in a fierce competition. But only Hamilton knew what he was going through after the disaster of a rule change he had just faced. The champ was incredibly downbeat and it could be seen from his behavior post-race. Nonetheless, Lewis Hamilton is known to be positive in the worst moments and he is still fighting for his eighth title after two winless seasons.
“For sure, yeah,” was Lewis Hamilton’s answer, when the media inquired if he had ever thought of retiring from Formula 1 in the wake of his 2021 failure. “There was so much going through my mind during that period of time. But I think one of the worst things you can do is make decisions based on emotions, because when you are emotional and in the heat of that moment, more often than not, you’re not going to make the best decisions.”
“Emotions were high, it was a really, really difficult period of time, so I had to just wait until things calmed down, and that I was clear in my thought and I was able to then make the right decisions.” It will be difficult to imagine what Lewis Hamilton would be thinking right now after continued disappointments for two years and if Lewis really wants to continue. But, Lewis had good news for his fans as he expressed his resolve to fight for his 8th driver’s title.
Jos Verstappen sympathizes with Hamilton for Abu Dhabi 2021
Jos Verstappen is one of the most aggressive supporters of Max Verstappen and he doesn’t like to take any kind of criticism lightly when its against his son. There have been numerous incidents where Jos has belittled competition and defended Max even if people talk about his faults. But the overprotective father had a soft spot for Hamilton after his depressing race in Abu Dhabi.
Jos Verstappen talked about how he almost had a heart attack due to the constant surprises hurled at viewers during the Abu Dhabi GP 2021. “I sort of had! At the end of the day, I can imagine how Mercedes has felt, but it has nothing to do… we didn’t make those decisions.”
“For the fans of Formula 1 and, of course, speaking as Max’s dad, it couldn’t be better. It was so exciting until the last moment. Of course, for us, the outcome was nice. I can imagine that for Lewis and Toto, it’s not as nice. But that’s how it is, you know, you have to accept it.”
Lewis Hamilton has been increasingly doubtful during the 2023 season, and his words made F1 pundits worry about his involvement in the next two seasons. Did you also expect Lewis to retire in 2021? What were your thoughts about the Abu Dhabi GP fiasco? Share with us in the comments.
