Categories: FeaturedSports

F1: Hamilton Gracious in Title Defeat as Mercedes Lodge Protests

Lewis Hamilton was gracious in defeat after Red Bull rival Max Verstappen ended the Briton’s quest for an unprecedented eighth Formula One title with a safety-car aided, last-lap pass for championship glory at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 36-year-old, who started second alongside pole-sitter Verstappen, appeared to have the race well under control after seizing the lead into the first corner and escaping sanction for staying ahead by taking to the run-off in an opening-lap battle with his Red Bull rival.

But a safety car five laps from the end, that handed Verstappen the opportunity to pit for fresh tyres, turned the race on its head and put an end to Hamilton’s hopes of becoming the first driver to win eight world championships.

“Firstly, a big congratulations to Max and to his team,” said Hamilton, his eyes moist, after the race.

“I think we did an amazing job this year. My team, everyone back at the factory… all the men and women… have worked so hard this whole year. It’s been the most difficult of seasons.

“I’m so proud of them, so grateful to be a part of the journey with them,” added the Briton, who has won the title for the last four years in a row and ended the season with eight wins to his Red Bull rival’s 10.

But, even as Verstappen celebrated and Hamilton came to terms with defeat, the Briton’s Mercedes team lodged two safety-car related protests.

One had to do with Verstappen pulling up alongside and edging ahead of Hamilton; the other with the resumption of racing.

Race control initially said the lapped cars, acting as a buffer between Hamilton and Verstappen would not be allowed to overtake, much to Red Bull’s frustration.

But they later decided to let them through, putting Verstappen right on Hamilton’s tail for one final flat-out lap, with the Dutchman seizing his chance on his fresh soft tyres to pass Hamilton for the lead.

“We gave it everything, this last part of the season we gave it absolutely everything and we never gave up,” said Hamilton. “That’s the most important thing.”

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Netanyahu Risks Arrest in UK as ICC Issues Warrant Against Him For War Crimes

Israeli PM Netanyahu faces potential arrest in the UK as Downing Street pledges to fulfill…

1 hour ago

Second Australian Teen Dies from Suspected Methanol Poisoning in Laos

A second Australian teenager has died of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, bringing to six…

2 hours ago

Simon Ekpa Arrested, Denies Being IPOB Leader + Atiku Says Tinubu’s Loans Are Bone-Crushing – Trending With Ojy Okpe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFlFl1mPGC8 The arrest of self-proclaimed Prime minister of the Biafra Republic, Simon Ekpa who was…

2 hours ago

Gatwick Airport South Terminal Evacuated, Bomb Disposal Team Deployed Suspicious Item Found In Luggage

Gatwick Airport's South Terminal was evacuated after a suspected prohibited item was found, prompting bomb…

2 hours ago

Trump Considers Kevin Warsh for Treasury Secretary, Role Of Chairman Of Federal Reserve

Trump is considering Kevin Warsh for Treasury Secretary, with a future possibility of him becoming…

5 hours ago

Hyundai Recalls 145,235 Electrified Vehicles In The US Due To Power Loss Issue

Hyundai has recalled 145,235 electrified vehicles in the US. due to potential loss of drive…

5 hours ago