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Reuters

Formula One champion Max Verstappen expects Lewis Hamilton to be back next season to battle for a record eighth title, despite the Briton’s disappointment at being beaten this year on the last lap of the last race.
Speaking to reporters before the governing FIA’s gala awards night in Paris, where he was presented with the champion’s trophy, the Red Bull driver recognised his Mercedes rival’s suffering.
Hamilton shunned the gathering, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff also absent and indicating some uncertainty over his disillusioned driver’s future after last Sunday’s finale in Abu Dhabi.
“I don’t feel sorry but I can understand of course that it can be very painful,” Verstappen said.

A special moment, as @Max33Verstappen gets his hands on the F1 Drivers' World Championship trophy 🏆#F1 #FIAPrizeGiving2021 pic.twitter.com/RlBMrMbZ32
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 16, 2021

“But at the end of the day that’s racing as well. You just have to just keep fighting to the end and you know that in racing anything can happen.
“He also won a championship like that. So I think he can understand as well,” added the 24-year-old, who overtook Hamilton at Yas Marina when a sudden change to the safety car procedure gave him a chance after it seemed he had none.
Hamilton took his first title with McLaren in 2008 with a last corner move that shattered Brazilian Ferrari driver Felipe Massa’s hopes.

Asked how bad it would be if Hamilton did not come back to renew the battle next season, Verstappen doubted that would happen.
“I can understand that the first few days after a race like that you’re not happy but you should also understand this is racing,” he said. “I think he should just look back at what he has achieved already.
“That should give him a lot of comfort and should also be that drive to just keep on going because he is still trying to challenge for that eighth title and for sure he can do that again next year.
Asked directly whether Hamilton, who turns 37 in January and has two years remaining on his contract, would be back next year, Wolff indicated that was not a certainty.
Mercedes withdraw appeal against controversial Verstappen F1 title triumph
“I would very much hope Lewis continues racing because he is the greatest driver of all time,” he said.
“As a racer his heart will say I need to continue because he’s at the peak of his game,” he added. “But we have to overcome the pain that was caused upon him on Sunday. He is a man with clear values.”
Wolff was confident Mercedes could have won a legal battle but there was “a difference between right and obtaining justice.”
He said every decision was taken with Hamilton.
“It was tremendously hard for him and for us as a team to withdraw the appeal, because we were wronged,” he added.
“My soul and my heart cries with every bone that this should have been judged in the right way.”


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Formula One (F1)

F1 champion Max Verstappen expects Lewis Hamilton to return next season, despite ‘pain’ over Abu Dhabi loss

F1 world champion Max Verstappen (right) and his partner Kelly Piquet at the FIA Prize Giving 2021 gala in Paris. Photo: AFP

Max Verstappen said Hamilton will challenge for an eighth title in 2022. Photo: AFP

Arise Sir Lewis: already F1 royalty, Hamilton knighted at Windsor Castle days after title heartbreak

Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by Prince Charles at Windsor Castle. Photo: AP

Lewis Hamilton received his knighthood on Wednesday as the British driver comes to terms with controversially losing the Formula One world title. Photo: AFP

F1: Max Verstappen snatches championship from Lewis Hamilton after last-lap drama in Abu Dhabi

Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race and the world championship as Lewis Hamilton looks on after finishing second. Photo: Reuters

Max Verstappen crosses the finish line to win the 2021 Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit. Photo: EPA

Lewis Hamilton leads at the start the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Photo: AP

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Photo: Reuters

F1: the road to title showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen discuss the weekend’s race at a press conference in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Reuters

Lewis Hamilton steers his car during qualifying in Abu Dhabi. Photo: EPA-EFE

Max Verstappen has the opportunity to win the Drivers’ Championship for the first time. Photo: AP

Crowds watch Red Bull driver Sergio Perez during qualifying for the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Photo: AP

Sport

Motorsport

Mercedes boss says Hamilton was ‘robbed’ of title and ‘will never get over’ Abu Dhabi F1 finale
Mercedes withdraw F1 title appeal after FIA agrees investigation


F1 champion Max Verstappen expects Lewis Hamilton to be back next season to battle for a record eighth title.


Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen

F1 champion Max Verstappen expects Lewis Hamilton to return next season, despite ‘pain’ over Abu Dhabi loss

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Mercedes boss says Hamilton was ‘robbed’ of title and ‘will never get over’ Abu Dhabi F1 finale Mercedes withdraw F1 title appeal after FIA agrees investigation

Mercedes boss says Hamilton was ‘robbed’ of title and ‘will never get over’ Abu Dhabi F1 finale

Mercedes withdraw F1 title appeal after FIA agrees investigation