Lewis Hamilton opens up on Abu Dhabi controversy ‘fear’

Ivan Gale

Monday, August 8, 2022 13:51 – Updated: 13:57

Lewis Hamilton He revealed his “worst worry” when he was “cheated” out of the eighth World Championship.

The Briton is breaking the record for most F1 titles – currently sharing seven with Michael Schumacher – when he deployed a late safety car in last season’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix final.

The decision by then FIA Director of Competition Michael Masi created an atmosphere of instability that the sport is still trying to repair, Max Verstappen Take advantage of the final lap of the campaign to claim his first title.

Mercedes Driver Hamilton unveiled the event at Vanity Fair in September.

“You see things start to develop and my worst fears happen,” Hamilton said.

“I thought, there’s no way they could lie to me about this. No way. That’s not going to happen. Of course not.”

“I don’t know if I can really put my feelings into words.

“I do remember just sitting there in disbelief. And realizing I had to unbuckle my belt, I had to get out of there, I had to crawl out of this thing, I had to find strength.

“I had no strength and this was one of the toughest moments I’ve had in a long, long time.”

On whether he felt cheated, Hamilton replied: “I know what happened. I know what decisions were made and why. Yes, I know something is not right.”

Introducing our September cover star, Mr. @LewisHamilton.

With seven Formula 1 World Drivers’ titles to his name and one year left on his contract with Mercedes – the maverick has been keeping an eye on what’s ahead the way.

🔗: https://t.co/GtJQ3KCdci pic.twitter.com/YHVioHAXNU

— Vanity Fair (@VanityFair) August 8, 2022

Hamilton details ‘deep’ father hug

Hamilton was consoled by his father Anthony after the race, before joining the winning opponent on the podium.

But since then, Hamilton has disappeared from the public eye until January, just weeks before the unveiling of this year’s Mercedes Challenger.

Hamilton explained that moment with his dad: “He hugged me and I think he was like, ‘I want you to know how proud I am of you’.

“Having your dad hug you this way was one of the most profound things I’ve ever experienced…especially since you didn’t have that many times when you were growing up.”