It was one of the greatest highlights in the traditional history of Formula 1: Last December, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton fought an epic duel for the world championship crown in Abu Dhabi. In the end, the Dutchman overtook the record champion on the last lap and thus dethroned the Mercedes driver. Toto Wolff follows the race to this day.
“I think about it every day,” revealed the Mercedes team boss in an interview with “auto sport“. At the same time, the Austrian added: “But I’m at peace with Max winning the World Cup because he’s a deserved champion.”
Hamilton initially looked like the favorite for the world title at the last race of the 2021 season. However, Verstappen then benefited from a late safety car phase, which caused discussions in Formula 1 weeks and months later.
Verstappen ultimately took advantage of the decision of the race control and pushed past Hamilton on the last lap. The 24-year-old thus celebrated his first world championship, while Hamilton missed his eighth trick and thus the sole record.
Verstappen leads Formula 1 again in 2022
In the current season, the balance of power in Formula 1 is clear. Verstappen leads the summer break with a good lead of 80 points over Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc in second place. Hamilton even ranks 112 points behind the Red Bull driver.
There are still nine races to go in this Formula 1 season. However, there are currently many indications of Verstappen’s second world title.
Whether Hamilton can fight for the F1 crown again should depend in particular on his future decision. The 37-year-old is probably not thinking about the end of his career at the moment.