Lewis Hamilton was ‘actually struggling’ to cope with title loss after controversial Abu Dhabi GP climax, reveals Carlos Sainz after holding podium chat with him… as Ferrari driver urges F1 to keep away from the ‘stress each soccer match generates’
- Lewis Hamilton appeared set to assert an eighth F1 championship in Abu Dhabi
- Nonetheless, controversy on the finish of the race noticed Max Verstappen declare victory
- The Mercedes star managed to retain his composure in aftermath of defeat
- However Carlos Sainz has revealed the extent to which British driver was struggling
Carlos Sainz has revealed Lewis Hamilton was ‘actually struggling’ to come back to phrases with the way of shedding out on the 2021 F1 title on the rostrum following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Hamilton appeared set to assert a record-breaking eighth championship after dominating a lot of the race, solely to be pipped by Crimson Bull’s Max Verstappen, who claimed the principle prize.
The Dutchman’s victory got here in controversial circumstances, after some automobiles had been allowed to unlap themselves earlier than the protection automotive was introduced in and others weren’t.
Carlos Sainz (centre) has revealed Lewis Hamilton (left) was ‘actually struggling’ to cope with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix consequence on the rostrum after the race’s extremely controversial conclusion
Hamilton (left) seemed destined to win his eighth F1 Championship title within the last race till Max Verstappen (proper) overtook him on the ultimate lap following a collection of contentious rulings
FIA race director Michael Masi’s place is below intense scrutiny after he was accused of bending the foundations to permit Verstappen the prospect to beat Hamilton to the title.
It was a sensational finale to the season however one which was troublesome for Mercedes driver Hamilton – who after his loss remained quiet except for a short interview with reporters and held his poise in public – to swallow.
However Ferrari star Carlos Sainz has now revealed simply how a lot Hamilton was struggling after having a podium chat with him, and insists his respect for the Brit went up given how he managed to deal with himself.
‘Dropping the title on the final lap like that, it is simply exhausting to simply accept,’ the Spaniard informed Italian outlet Corriere Della Sera.
Verstappen (centre) celebrated claiming the principle prize whereas Hamilton was pressured to look at
‘I respect him greater than earlier than for the way in which he managed to do it. We had a number of phrases on the rostrum, he was actually struggling [to comprehend the situation].’
Sainz added he felt ‘very dangerous’ for Hamilton and said he was ‘shocked he averted making a large number’.
Lance Stroll insisted earlier this week the rules are made clearer to keep away from a repeat of the controversial finale this season.
Masi in the meantime has been accused of giving into stress utilized by Crimson Bull chief Christian Horner and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, leading to his determination to not observe the FIA guidelines and permit the automobiles to move.
Hamilton held his poise in public however Sainz has revealed the extent to which he was struggling
And Sainz insists F1 mustn’t permit itself to be subjected to the identical form of controversy that he claims is commonplace in soccer.
‘We should not repeat the identical mistake,’ Sainz added.
‘Each soccer match generates controversy. We have to stop F1 from approaching that form of stress.
‘However I do not assume the scenario is disastrous, I am satisfied that it’s bettering.’
Race director Michael Masi is accused of bending the F1 guidelines to permit Verstappen to win