Lewis Hamilton had to “separate from the world” to get over the heartache of losing the 2021 World Cup in the final round of the final race.
Hamilton was shocked after his apparent procession to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was turned upside down by the subsequent introduction of a safety car. The controversial application of rules around patched cars by race director Michael Masi allowed Verstappen to close the gap and shoot a round of the title race that won the Dutchman to earn his maiden world championship and give Hamilton an eighth record crown embarrass.
Hamilton treated the disappointment with dignity, congratulating Verstappen and his father Jos before attending the podium ceremony. But in the following weeks, he was hardly heard at all as he shut down social media and took time to digest the race.
“I did not want to be reactive during that time,” Hamilton told Sky Sports ahead of this season’s Bahrain Grand Prix. “When something bad happens, you have a direct reaction with the emotion, it’s very raw. I’ve gone off social media, so I’m disconnected from the world and stay in the present time.
“During the pandemic, I hardly saw my family. I wanted to take a step back and reevaluate my life. I came to the realization that I did not let it define my career. “
Hamilton’s frequent feudal rivalry with Verstappen was the defining story of the 2021 season, but the Briton insisted he had no grip.
“For me and Max, we see ourselves in the paddock and things are normal. But on the other hand, we are both ruthless. It is important that we do this with compassion and respect. The line is sometimes crossed. I am much older, so it’s easier to get over these things.
Add Comment