Hamilton reflects on his emotions at the evening of Abu Dhabi 2021
The last Grand Prix of the 2021 season continues to generate a lot of talk. In an interview with Vanity Fair magazine, Lewis Hamilton discussed the emotions he felt at the end of this race.
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is one of the most controversial, if not the most controversial, Grand Prix in Formula 1 history. Just a few laps away from the finish, Lewis Hamilton was comfortably leading Max Verstappen and seemed destined to secure his eighth world championship. However, Nicholas Latifi’s accident reignited the title battle. Taking advantage of a safety car period, fresher tires, and a chaotic decision-making process by the race officials, Verstappen eventually overtook his rival on the final lap to become the first Dutch Formula 1 world champion.
For Vanity Fair magazine, Lewis Hamilton reflected on these emotionally intense moments: « You see things unfolding and my worst fears came true. I was like… there’s no way they’re going to steal this from me. No way. It’s not going to happen. Definitely not. »
Regarding what he felt when his car stopped after the race, he adds: « I don’t know if I can put into words what I felt at that moment. I just remember sitting there, in disbelief. I realized that I had to unbuckle my seatbelt, get out of there, get out of that thing, I had to find the strength. I had no strength. It was one of the toughest moments, I would say, that I’ve had in a very, very long time. I knew what had happened. I knew that decisions had been made and why. Yes, I knew that something was not right. »
Once out of his car, the British driver was seen with his father Anthony. A powerful moment for the Mercedes driver: « He took me in his arms and I believe he said, “I want you to know how proud I am of you.” Having your father embrace you like that is one of the deepest things I’ve ever experienced… especially when you grow up with so few moments like this. »
Silent for several weeks after this episode, Hamilton had been the subject of much speculation regarding a possible withdrawal from motorsport. Speculations confirmed by the main concerned party: “I have, of course, wondered if I wanted to continue.” Ultimately, these questions did not prevent #LH44 from returning to the racetracks in 2022 for his sixteenth season in the premier category.
