Lewis Hamilton hilariously forgets Max Verstappen’s name during Chinese GP weekend

Lewis Hamilton almost forgot the name of Max Verstappen while answering a post-race question in the Chinese GP paddock,

Lewis Hamilton hilariously forgets Max Verstappen’s name during Chinese GP weekend

Lewis Hamilton (via Getty), Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are two of the biggest names in the Formula 1 paddock. Both drivers have had an intense rivalry over the years which peaked during the controversial 2021 season finale at Abu Dhabi. Since then, Hamilton and Verstappen have never been in a straight fight for the title. Yet, they do find themselves battling one another on-track.

However, after the Chinese GP, Lewis Hamilton seemingly forgot the name of his arch-rival. The seven-time world champion had managed to defeat Verstappen during the sprint race on Saturday, but failed to keep up with the Red Bull in the main race. Hamilton simply did not have the pace to match the Dutch driver following a set-up change in his car.

YouTube video

The Ferrari star opened up on a disappointing weekend for the team. The Scuderia lost crucial points to McLaren and Red Bull. However, when he was going to mention Max Verstappen, Hamilton ended up saying “Seba-” instead, potentially recalling his former rival, Sebastian Vettel. The Briton laughed off this error and corrected himself.

Obviously, we’re losing ground to McLarens points-wise, and McLaren and, sorry Mercedes, and Seba- sorry Verstappen, but we’ve just got to keep pushing.

Lewis Hamilton said post-race

Things only got worse for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari following his comments. Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the race over two separate errors. This cost the team even more in terms of points in the championship.

Ferrari clarify team order controversy at Chinese GP

During the race in Shanghai, Lewis Hamilton found himself struggling to make progress compared to Charles Leclerc. The seven-time world champion ultimately allowed the Monegasque driver to go through in a position swap between the two cars. It was speculated that the Ferrari pitwall instructed Hamilton to let Leclerc get ahead. However, team boss Fred Vasseur has now revealed the actual scenario.

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc (via Ferrari)
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc (via Ferrari)

The Frenchman made it clear that Lewis Hamilton was not unhappy over the position swap. Vasseur claimed that it was the Briton who first gave this idea to the Scuderia. As the F1 star understood that Leclerc might be the quicker car. As such, Fred Vasseur lessoned the media that they should first listen to the whole story before jumping to conclusions.

Not really, cause the first call came from Lewis. He proposed to swap, you have listen to the full story.

Fred Vasseur said post-race

Unfortunately, even Charles Leclerc could barely make gains after taking Hamilton’s position. The Scuderia simply had no pace even compared to Mercedes and Red Bull, let alone the two McLarens. With the disqualifications only making matters worse at the end of the weekend.

Can Lewis Hamilton bounce back in Japan?

Formula 1 will return in two weeks at the Japanese GP. The race will take place at the iconic Suzuka circuit, a favorite for drivers and fans alike. The Japanese track has witnessed some of the most historic showdowns in F1 history, and fans would hope to see exciting action this time around. The Tifosi would certainly want to see Hamilton have a shot at victory.

Lewis Hamilton (via AP)
Lewis Hamilton (via AP)

However, things might not be so easy for the seven-time world champion. Lewis Hamilton did show impressive pace during the sprint race in China, but tumbled down the order during the Grand Prix. As such, the SF-25 can be a quick car, but if the team fails to get the set-up right, it can turn into a disaster.

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari would’ve learnt their lessons from this weekend. Firstly, Maranello will need to ensure that it doesn’t repeat any errors that can cost their drivers to be disqualified from the race. Moreover, the team needs to analyze where it went wrong with the car set-up to find the perfect window for the next race. Thus, It remains to be seen if Hamilton can battle it out for victory at the Japanese Grand Prix.