Lewis Hamilton Refuses to Be Compared To Max Verstappen as Maiden Championships Get Put In the Same League

Lewis Hamilton is a monster masked as a human. That’s right, a mentality monster who has proved time and again why he’s certainly one of the GOATs of F1. The Mercedes driver has been kicked to the ground many times in his life. However, the reason that makes him such a champion is that he keeps rising against all odds.

After the heartbreak last year, many feared Hamilton would retire from F1. However, much to the relief of Mercedes fans, the 7-time champion decided to live to fight another day. In an interview with Timo Glock, he explains how his first title win was different from Max Verstappen’s win in 2021 Abu Dhabi.

Back then, the former McLaren driver overtook his interviewer in the final corner of the Brazilian GP to score enough points and get his maiden title in 2008 by one point. However, he lost out his record 8th in an equally dramatic fashion. The controversial decision to call in the safety car last year allowed Max Verstappen to pounce and overtake the Mercedes driver.

When asked by Timo Glock if the way he won in 2008 resembled his loss to Verstappen in 2021, Lewis said, “No, it was different.”

He further mentioned, “This one [2008] wasn’t manipulated by anybody, someone made a decision for [2021’s] result to be the way it was, basically.”

READ MORE: “When You Have the Success and Numbers…”: Nonchalant Lewis Hamilton Responds to Aggressive Max Verstappen Deja Vu at Brazilian GP

Hamilton will now turn to the place where he suffered his heartbreak last year for a chance to save his record of winning a race in every F1 season he’s participated in.

Lewis Hamilton fires lethal shots at archrival Max Verstappen

The Interlagos circuit witnessed a glimpse of last year’s fierce rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen. The duo made contact in the opening few laps of the race. Despite the contact, Hamilton finished the race P2 behind his teammate. However, Max Verstappen could only muster a P6 finish.

Furthermore, the Mercedes star claimed after the race that he is not spooked by the Dutchman. Lewis said in his post-conference, “What can I say? You know how it is with Max. I am not concerned.”

He further stated, “I think it is natural when you have success and the numbers on your chest that you become a bit of a target but it’s OK. It isn’t anything I haven’t dealt with before.”

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Despite a poor start to the season, Mercedes have made an exceptional comeback in the second half. Lewis Hamilton has been particularly impressive post-summer break as he picked up his 3rd successive P2 finish at Sau Paulo. Can he find something extra and climb the top spot of the podium in Abu Dhabi?