Lewis Hamilton’s father Anthony Hamilton consoled his heartbroken son, after Max Verstappen dramatically pipped the seven-time world champion to this year’s Formula One World Championship.
Throughout the duration of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton appeared to be on course to win a record breaking eighth F1 World Championship.
However, Verstappen opportunistically capitalised on a disruption caused by a safety car, proceeding to overtake the Mercedes driver on the final lap
It was an extremely controversial ending to Hamilton and Verstappen’s ferocious rivalry this season. And shortly after Verstappen secured his first ever F1 World championship,
Hamilton was consoled by his father and inspiration, who has tirelessly supported him since he was a young prodigy Hamilton senior worked three different jobs to help fund the Mercedes’ star’s F1 ambitions, when he was a raw talent behind the wheel many years ago
As well as consoling his son, Hamilton also demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship and class, by congratulating Verstappen and his father Jos Verstappen shortly after the tumultuous contest.
He approached the jubilant pair and shook their hands, despite the controversial way they secured their first world championship. Shortly after processing the disappointment, Hamilton also followed his father’s example, praising Verstappen’s victory, before expressing his gratitude towards his own teams’ efforts.
“Firstly congratulations to Max and to his team. I think we did an amazing job this year,” said Hamilton. “My team, everyone back at the factory, have worked so hard this whole year, it’s been the most difficult of seasons.
“ I’m so proud of them and I’m so grateful to be a part of the journey with them. “This last part of the season we gave it absolutely everything and never gave up.
Hamilton appeared to be in control, after opening a ten second lead over the Dutchman coming into the final five laps. While Verstappen made up plenty of ground,
Hamilton still seemed to be on his way to his 8 th World Championship when he cruised into the final lap in first position. However, the race was turned on its head when a crash for Williams’ driver Nicolas Latifi disrupted proceedings.
A safety car came out and then departed the track on the penultimate lap, thus enabling one lap of racing which Verstappen completely took control of. The Red Bull ace proceeded to dramatically overtake his Mercedes rival, and hold on to secure his first world title.
It was an astonishing conclusion to their battle this year, and despite their vociferous dislike of each other this year, Verstappen also cast light on Hamilton’s excellent driving this season.
