‘Would’ve done the same thing,’ Lewis Hamilton claims he doesn’t blame Max Verstappen for controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi GP

Max Verstappen defeated Lewis Hamilton for the 2021 drivers' championship and created one of the biggest controversies ever in the history of motorsports.

‘Would’ve done the same thing,’ Lewis Hamilton claims he doesn’t blame Max Verstappen for controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi GP

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP podium (via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Ferrari has led to rumors surrounding Max Verstappen‘s potential switch to Mercedes in 2025. However, the two drivers don’t share the best history in Formula 1 as they created a huge controversy back in 2021. The Dutchman emerged victorious at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP and claimed his maiden drivers’ championship in Formula 1.

However, the seven-time world champion now mentioned how he ‘didn’t blame’ Verstappen for the 2021 results. Additionally, Hamilton mentioned that he wasn’t surprised by the Dutchman’s possibility of joining Mercedes as per rumors. Subsequently, the Briton added that the sport let the drivers down, following the controversial 2021 results.

I wouldn't say I'm surprised, because he's a great driver, I think even we spoke back then. Max in that moment, he did what he had to do, it was nothing on him, it was the sport that let us down.
Hamilton said, as reported by motorsport.com.
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Apart from this, Hamilton put himself in Verstappen’s shoes and shared his opinion. The seven-time world champion added that if it were him in the Dutchman’s shoes, he would’ve done the same. Hence, it is safe to assume that the two drivers now share a great bond off the grid. However, Toto Wolff previously mentioned how Hamilton should ‘get revenge’ for 2021 Abu Dhabi in his last season at Mercedes.

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And I think that wasn't his fault. Me, in his position, I would have done exactly the same thing. So there's no issues there.

Lewis Hamilton accepted how Max Verstappen is on Mercedes’ list for the 2025 season

Hamilton’s unprecedented move to Ferrari from 2025 has opened up a vacancy in Mercedes. Hence, Max Verstappen was considered as a potential candidate for following in the footsteps of the Briton. The Briton explained how the Dutchman was on the ‘list’ for joining Mercedes from the coming season.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Regardless, the 26-year-old has a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. Hence, the driver would respect the contract within the team. However, Max Verstappen did not rule out the possibility of joining Mercedes in the following season.

Red Bull has been providing the driver with great racing opportunities so far. Hence, the driver has no reason to leave anytime soon. However, time will tell about how the driver’s future is within Formula 1. Currently, the driver will continue the 2024 season as a Red Bull driver and score well within the team.

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