Formula 1: David Coulthard has praised Max Verstappen over Lewis Hamilton: Former F1 driver David Coulthard has said that Lewis Hamilton deserved to win the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But, has Praised Max Verstappen for getting inside the head of the seven-time Formula 1 champion. Follow Formula 1 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
David has come out in support of Max Verstappen as a worthy winner of the 2021 crown with a ‘fighter’s heart’. But, said Hamilton did all he needed to do to win the crucial season finale race in Abu Dhabi.
Formula 1: Former F1 driver David Coulthard believes Max Verstappen got inside the head of Lewis Hamilton
David said, “At that moment I knew that Verstappen would be Champion. He was either going to crash and both drivers drop out because then Max is World Champion. Or he overtakes Hamilton and is World Champion.”
“I was honestly surprised at how early Verstappen launched the attack. That says a lot about his fighting spirit.”
Both the drivers ended up changing positions on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year. It was Lewis Hamilton who was leading the race but his lead was cut down by a late safety car.
The controversy then followed when the safety car was abruptly ended with Mercedes expecting the race to end behind it. However, it was the race director, Michael Masi who resumed the race with a lap to go.
It allowed Max Verstappen who was on fresher tyres to overtake Hamilton on turn 5. Max gave his all in the last lap to keep the British driver behind him. With that, he also clinched his maiden F1 title.
MAX VERSTAPPEN. WORLD CHAMPION!!!
A stunning season by an extraordinary talent#HistoryMade #F1 @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/FxT9W69xJe
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2021
Formula 1: Former F1 driver David Coulthard believes Max Verstappen got inside the head of Lewis Hamilton
Also Read: Formula 1: Mike Krack says Aston Martin will consider their own power unit in 2026 – Check Out
Formula 1: Similar fight which Lewis once was a part of with Nico Rosberg
David Coulthard praised Verstappen’s ability to upset Hamilton and ‘get into’ his head. It was the key to his success in the 2021 season.
Both the drivers came together on track on multiple occasions in the last season. But, most notably it was at Silverstone, Monza, and Jeddah. Last season could be compared to the 2016 season. It saw Nico Rosberg go toe-to-toe with Hamilton.
Formula 1: Former F1 driver David Coulthard believes Max Verstappen got inside the head of Lewis Hamilton
Nico Rosberg also got praised for unsettling his own teammate Hamilton and getting inside his head. Nico also claimed his maiden F1 title that year and retired two days later after achieving this feat.
David added, “I think Max has managed to get into Hamilton’s head. He was once himself embroiled in a title fight for the championship against one of F1’s most legendary racers, Michael Schumacher.”
“Lewis is a great driver and deserved to win in Abu Dhabi. However, I also think that Verstappen deserves the title. He has a huge fighter’s heart. Wherever he sees a gap, he immediately attacks. That makes him a worthy World Champion.”
Formula 1: Former F1 driver David Coulthard believes Max Verstappen got inside the head of Lewis Hamilton
Editors pick
