Unfinished Business With “Big Ugly #1” Max Verstappen Leaves Lewis Hamilton With Mixed Emotions

The seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, hasn’t had the best outings at the Abu Dhabi Yas Marina track in the past two years. Last year he lost to Max Verstappen in the title battle, whilst this year he failed to even match up with the Dutchman and had to bow out of the last race due to a hydraulic issue in his W13.

The Briton struggled with porpoising in his Mercedes since the start of this season and a general lack of pace. However, it didn’t stop him from fighting his way on the tracks. Still, Lewis Hamilton has been disappointed with not being able to perform his best, as this year’s car hindered his driving skills.

Nonetheless, the world champion is not letting this get the better of him. He’s grateful for the support, the experience, and plans to rise above the disappointments. In an interview with Sky Sports, Hamilton delved into the struggles he was facing. He said, “With the challenge of coming back, wanting to fight back and not being able to challenge with the car that we have.”

“It was not easy, I think it’s more the big ugly number one [on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull] I’m kidding! I’m not really fazed by these things. I think people expect a reaction but I’m chilled. Of course, I would have loved to have been at the forefront, battling, but it’s been an interesting journey seeing what they’re going through. Whatever negative feeling, I try to brush it aside,” he said, in conclusion.

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Hamilton isn’t letting this experience determine his way forward. However, he is extremely grateful for having faced it, and for the immense support that he has been showered with by his fans.

Lewis Hamilton claims that fans’ love got him through the year

Lewis Hamilton has always been vocal about vulnerability and has always been candid about his emotions. Now, he has expressed how he has accepted the support that came his way.

He said, “I know some people struggle to accept love, and I know I’ve been like that for a long time, so this year was one I was able to open up. It was a beautiful experience so I’m really grateful for that.”

Even though he finished sixth on the weekend, he was amazed by the support he received. He further claimed, “The general love I have experienced through the year has got me through the year if I’m honest.”

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Hamilton has always been a role model for many around the globe, and for good reason. Are you looking forward to the new Mercedes challenger for the 2023 season and how it helps the seven-time world champion in his bid to win his eighth?