Lewis Hamilton claims he was ‘obviously’ ROBBED of eighth title
Lewis Hamilton has opened up on the season finale of the 2021 Formula 1 season – and claimed that he was ‘obviously’ robbed of a record eighth title.
Making his debut in the sport with McLaren in 2007, Hamilton is statistically the most successful driver in history, having recorded the most pole positions (104), race wins (103) and podium finishes (197).
Standing equal with Michael Schumacher on seven world championships, the 39-year-old won six of those titles with Mercedes as the team completely dominated the turbo hybrid era.
But since the new regulations were introduced in 2022, the team have fallen behind as Red Bull and Max Verstappen have stamped their authority on the rest of the grid. READ MORE: Hamilton reveals future plans after ‘MIC DROP’ retirement
Lewis Hamilton has won six world titles with Mercedes
But the Brit has struggled to be competitive in the ground effect era
Hamilton believes he was robbed
Hamilton has been vocal of his discontent with his Mercedes machinery during the ground effect era, having not won a race since Jeddah in 2021, and has struggled to be competitive. It was that season in 2021 where Hamilton came close to his eighth title, but was pipped by Verstappen at the final race in Abu Dhabi in what was one of the most controversial incidents in F1 history.
With the cars approaching the final lap under the safety car, lapped cars between the title rivals were allowed to pass, leaving Hamilton and Verstappen to battle it out over one lap, with the Red Bull passing the Mercedes on fresher tyres. Speaking with GQ, the Brit was asked whether he felt robbed over the ordeal: “Was I robbed? true I mean, you know what to say. “But the most beautiful thing then was that my father was with me. And we went through the ups and downs of this great roller coaster of life.
Hamilton lost the 2021 title to Max Verstappen
“ And that’s what hurt the most. That day, when he was there, and how he took it out, I stood up and kept my head up. I went to greet Max not knowing the impact, I also knew that my mini-me I was watching. .
“This is a very important moment in my life. And I think that’s the truth. i heard it I didn’t know how to get it. I didn’t see it. “But I knew for sure that the next 50 meters I walked was where I would fall to the ground and die or stop. Asked if he still wanted to compete, Hamilton replied: “I still feel like I’m watching that video. But I was at peace with him..
