Lewis Hamilton admits he had to ‘disconnect from the world’ to get over Abu Dhabi heartache
Hamilton needed time to digest the controversial race
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lewis Hamilton had to “disconnect from the world” to get over the heartache of losing the 2021 world championship on the last lap of the closing race.
Hamilton was left shellshocked after his apparent procession to victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was turned on its head by the late introduction of a safety car. The controversial application of rules around lapped cars by race director Michael Masi allowed Verstappen to close the gap and race a one-lap shootout for the title, which the Dutchman won to earn his maiden world championship and deny Hamilton a record eighth crown.
Hamilton handled the disappointment with dignity, congratulating Verstappen and his father Jos before attending the podium ceremony. But in the following weeks he was barely heard from at all as he shut off from social media and took time out to digest the race.
“I didn’t want to be reactive during that time,” Hamilton told Sky Sports ahead of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. “When something bad happens you have an immediate reaction with the emotion, it’s very raw. I stepped away from social media, so disconnecting from the world and staying in the present.
“During the pandemic I had barely seen my family. I wanted to take a step back and revaluate my life. I came to the realisation that I wouldn’t let it define my career. “
Hamilton’s often fesity rivalry with Verstappen was the defining story of the 2021 season, but the Briton insists he holds no grudge.
“For me and Max, we see each other in the paddock and things are normal. But on the other side, we are both ruthless. It’s important we do that with compassion and with respect. The line is crossed every now and then. I’m a lot older so it’s easier to get over those things.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments