Hamilton facing a major obstacle: Covid-19
As the battle for the title rages on, Covid-19 is one of the elements that can tip the balance in favor of one side or the other. Hamilton remains very cautious to avoid catching the virus.
About a year ago, Lewis Hamilton was forced to withdraw from the Sakhir Grand Prix. The reason: the Briton had contracted the virus. An absence that had no impact on his 7th F1 championship title.
But this year, the circumstances are different considering the very close battle between Hamilton and Verstappen. The seven-time F1 world champion has understood this well, notably thanks to his experience from last year.
I would say that I lived the experience last year, maybe I handled it better this year, but you’re still living in fear, you know? declares Lewis Hamilton.
The Mercedes driver had furthermore suffered from long Covid during the first part of the season. Especially during the Hungarian Grand Prix where Hamilton seemed weakened on the podium. Since then, he is being very careful, but this is not necessarily the case for those around him.
« Everyone I see around me, all my friends, most people – maybe not people in my sport, but everyone outside in their businesses – if they miss a day of work, or a week of work, it’s not the end of the year, whereas it’s critical for us pilots. »
« The year can be over if you miss one or two races. I saw other athletes who are also super relaxed and don’t care. If they get it, they get it, and it’s really strange to see that. But it has made things difficult. », explains Hamilton.
A factor that is therefore complicating this end of the season. A contraction of the virus for one of the two title contenders would mean a second place in the drivers’ standings. A disappointment that Hamilton prefers to avoid in a season even more complicated than 2020.
Last year was all tight and compact, wasn’t it? So, even if these six months have been tough, now it’s the whole year, so I would say it’s worse this year.
My social interaction is different from what it was in the past because you keep your distance from everyone, hold your breath around everyone. So it’s definitely, I would say, a lot, a lot more difficult,” concluded the Briton.
