Max Verstappen suggests his F1 rival Lewis Hamilton was ‘LUCKY’ and needed ‘a dominant team’ to win his seven titles, after dethroning him to leave the Brit considering his future
- Max Verstappen had a subtle dig at Lewis Hamilton when asked about his goals
- He said he’d need ‘luck’ and a ‘dominant team’ to replicate Hamilton’s success
- Verstappen secured his first world title at the Yas Marina circuit in December
- He also denied Hamilton of a record-breaking eighth championship crown
- Verstappen said any other achievements going forwards would be ‘bonus’
Max Verstappen made a subtle dig at Lewis Hamilton by claiming he will need ‘a bit of luck’ and a ‘dominant team’ if he is going to replicate the long-term success of his British rival.
Verstappen secured his first world title and denied Hamilton a record-breaking eighth championship crown at the Yas Marina circuit on the final day of the 2021 F1 racing season in December.
Verstappen’s victory in Abu Dhabi was regarded as controversial due to the fact he was allowed to pass Hamilton on fresh tyres on the last lap of the concluding race after a change to the usual safety car procedures.
Max Verstappen took a subtle dig at Lewis Hamilton when asked about his career goals
As a result, Hamilton is said to be undecided about whether to return to the Formula 1 grid for the 2022 season. His future is reportedly hanging in the balance of an FIA investigation into the events that unfolded last month.
Meanwhile, Verstappen says he focused on replicating his success again next season before admitting he will need some extra ‘luck’ on his side.
When asked about winning his maiden Drivers’ Championship and what the future may hold, Verstappen told CarNext: ‘Everything that comes now is just a bonus and I am just going to enjoy it.
Verstappen secured his first world title at the Yas Marina circuit in December (above)
However, Verstappen’s victory in Abu Dhabi last month was regarded as controversial one
‘You need a bit of luck to fight for seven or eight [titles]. You need a very dominant team as well to do that so you don’t always have that luck or you are not in that era.
‘Sometimes it doesn’t happen. For me, I always wanted to win one and you will see where you go from there.
‘Everything that comes now is a bonus but that doesn’t mean that if I lose a race… I will still be upset, but maybe a few minutes after I will say “it’s ok”.’
Hamilton is currently tied with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles, and holds various F1 records, including most wins (103), pole positions (103) and podium finishes (182).
Verstappen’s victory denied Hamilton of a record-breaking eighth championship crown
Hamilton is currently tied with Schumacher on seven world titles, and holds various F1 records
As it stands, Hamilton’s contact with Mercedes runs until the end of the 2023 campaign, but following the events in Abu Dhabi, he may leave before the 2022 season starts.
Since losing out on the title on the last lap to Red Bull rival Verstappen, Hamilton has declined to commit on whether he will see out the remainder of his two-year contract, which is worth in the region of £70million.
However, should Hamilton return to the track next season, he will look to add to his achievements to so far and claim that record-breaking eighth championship crown.
