The defeat of Lewis Hamilton by Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix left Mercedes “injured” according to Belgian driver Stoffel Vandoorne.
Vandoorne is a test driver for the Mercedes team in Formula 1. In addition to the Dutchman Nyck de Vries, he is also a driver for their Formula E team.
In an interview with RTBF in Belgium, Vandoorne commented on the controversial end of the last race of the F1 season, which cost Lewis Hamilton the title. He said:
“Despite the eighth constructors crown in a row, you can feel the disappointment of not having won both titles.”
Vandoorne then continued:
“But that’s normal, Toto (Wolff) is an incredible competitor, passionate about the sport, he gives his life for the team, and in moments when victory slips away like in Abu Dhabi, it hurts a lot.”
Lewis Hamilton appeared to be on his way to winning an unprecedented eighth driver’s world title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, a late fall of Williams’ Nicholas Latifi turned the race upside down.
In the subsequent safety car phase, Max Verstappen pitted for a new set of soft tires. Hamilton, on the other hand, was instructed by Mercedes to stay outside to hold the position.
FIA Race Director Michael Masi’s decision not to let lapped cars pass on lap 56 before changing his stance on the next lap angered Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.
The Brit was fighting Verstappen with old rubber when Masi abruptly called the safety car and drove to the finish line on the last lap. Verstappen won this sprint and with it the championship.
Mercedes initially protested and planned to appeal before withdrawing her protest. The team is still not through the entire episode, however, if Vandoorne is to be believed.
Lewis Hamilton takes “social media hiatus” after losing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton is taking a break from all forms of social media, according to his brother Nicholas Hamilton. The seven-time world champion has been silent on social media since his defeat in the last round against Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi.
Lewis didn’t say much in the interview immediately after the race at the Yas Marina Circuit. He also skipped the post-race press conference as well as the FIA gala later that week in Paris.
#Twitch | Nicolas Hamilton gives news from his brother Lewis, who has been silent on social networks since the #AbuDhabiGP!
“Lewis is fine, I think he just needs a little break from social media.”
# F1
#Twitch | Nicolas Hamilton gives news from his brother Lewis, who has been silent on social networks since the #AbuDhabiGP!
“Lewis is fine, I think he just needs a little social media break.” # F1https: //t.co/gpSdoNSU8W
On his Twitch feed, Nicholas said the following about his brother’s absence on social media:
“Yes, Lewis (Hamilton) is fine. He’s just got a little social media break for which I don’t blame him. Social media can be a very toxic place. But yeah, he’s cool there. He’s fine. Yes he is fine. He’s up right now … he’s watching the kids skiing. “
Lewis Hamilton was also knighted shortly after the final race of the season for his contribution to motorsport.
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The Briton became the fourth knighted F1 driver after Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart.
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