Lewis Hamilton insists 2021 defeat in Abu Dhabi was ‘rigged’ compared to his maiden title in 2008

lewis hamilton Reaffirmed his belief that his heartbreaking 2021 Formula 1 defeat in Abu Dhabi was “rigged”.

The British driver was asked to compare it to Felipe Massa’s fiasco in 2008, but claimed there were significant differences as the contested outcome of the December 2021 race was entirely affected by a “decision”.

hamilton and Max Verstappen Headed into the final race class on points, but with the seven-time champion leading late in the race under the safety car, he was eventually beaten on the final lap after Michael Massey allowed only a lap car between the two to come off. To the finish coil yourself.

Lewis Hamilton (right) again insists his lost 2021 title in Abu Dhabi was ‘rigged’

The 37-year-old Mercedes driver was asked by Timo Glock – whether Hamilton had saved his title fight late in Brazil 2008 through him at the expense of home favorite Felipe Massa – between the two thrilling conclusions. have any resemblance.

“No, it’s not the same, it’s not the same because this one wasn’t manipulated by anyone,” Hamilton replied. “Somebody decided to leave the result basically as it is.

“There are parallels in terms of the pain of losing the title in 2007. In the last 17 seconds of losing the title or the last three laps, I basically lost it.

In 2008, Hamilton won his first title by beating Felipe Massa (pictured) at the Brazilian Grand Prix

“And then another 17 seconds or whatever to cross the finish line and still lose the title.

‘You have a similar horrible feeling in your heart and spirit. I’m so grateful for it because it truly proves, for anyone, that when you’re faced with adversity, just never give up, keep trying, keep chasing, keep going.

Massa wins the race but sits just one point behind Hamilton in the standings

‘Miracles do happen. That was really a miracle moment for me.

The 2008 race in Brazil – of which Hamilton is now an honorary citizen – saw the Briton return to contention after deep rain as he overtook Glock to steal the tile from Massa in the closing stages, his career The best opportunity of my life.

The Brazilian ended his career without a title and, despite winning in his home country 14 years earlier, never won an F1 race in the ensuing nine years of his career before retiring.

“It was an amazing year for Felipe, and for me the most impressive part of the year was the end, how he stood on the podium with pride and dignity,” he said. added the British driver.

“He’s a champion in my eyes, you know, it’s not just about winning titles.”

Even though it may have been more than 11 months since the Mercedes driver gruesomely missed the controversial race in the United Arab Emirates, the impact of the quake’s end on the 2021 season remains.

Two-time champion Verstappen and Red Bull boycotted Sky Sports before ending their silence at last weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix after pit reporter Ted Kravitz claimed Hamilton’s eighth title had been “robbed”.

Verstappen and Red Bull boycotted Sky after Ted Kravitz claims Hamilton was ‘robbed’ in Abu Dhabi