Lewis Hamilton Opens Up on ‘Traumatic Experience’ of 2021 Abu Dhabi Finale: “When You Lose Something You Worked Hard for…”

The 2021 Formula 1 season witnessed one of the greatest championship battles of all time. The rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton is going to be talked about for many years to come. The duo went tied at points in the final race at Abu Dhabi, which Verstappen won to clinch his maiden F1 title.

At that race in the middle east, Lewis was in a comfortable lead for the whole Grand Prix. However, a late safety car controversy resulted in Max overtaking him on the last lap of the race. It created one of the biggest disputes in the paddock and Hamilton termed it ‘Manipulative’ over his team radio.

Ahead of the British GP, the seven-time world champion talked about his experience dealing with that result. He said, “That will always be with me. I think when anyone experiences trauma, because you know it can be, it’s a traumatic experience.”

“When you lose something that you worked hard for, I think that will always be a part of me but I would like to think that I’ve gained strength from it.” 

The driver with ‘Still We Rise’ written on his helmet added, “Just reminded myself of the strength I have within. So, it’s not something I am looking back on and thinking about ever to be honest. I am really looking forward. I am grateful for the love that I have for the job and the sport. Also, the support I have.”

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“But, also seeing the change that is slowly starting to happen. Seeing people being open to, the allies I have within the sport and the changes we are on route to try to change.” 

Lewis Hamilton: The Mental Health Advocate

For the longest time, the British driver has been the most vocal driver on the grid when it comes to social injustice. Lewis has never backed down from raising his voice against the societal issues he feels are unjustified. Even during the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement, he ensured to use his platform to raise awareness against the injustices in society.

Social media has been one of the major tools which he has used to express his emotions on a number of occasions. The driver racing with the number 44 has admitted in the past that even he encounters numerous days where it is hard to stay positive.

Following the finale of 2021, Lewis took a hiatus from social media. Formula 1 has the ability to play with the emotions of any individual, be it a fan watching it on the edge of its seat or the driver in the cockpit chasing his 8th world title.

Nevertheless, the Mercedes driver showed his positive mindset by returning to F1 this year. He started his 2022 campaign by saying ‘If you think what you saw at the end of last year was my best, wait until you see this year’

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2022 has not panned out the way Hamilton would have desired. However, the Briton has picked up two podium finishes in the last two races. The mental strength that the seven-time world champion has will help him bounce back from any adversity he encounters.