Jos Verstappen’s ex-teammate claims Lewis Hamilton wanting Michael Masi fired to be the reason behind his silence


Jos Verstappen’s ex-teammate claims Lewis Hamilton wanting Michael Masi fired to be the reason behind his silence

Jos Verstappen and Jeroen Bleekemolen

The 2021 season title dual between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen was nothing short of being one of the greatest ever in F1 history. Drama, action and controversies the season had everything to be an entertainer. The sports part of Formula 1 was though got overshadowed by the unlapping decision under safety car from Race Director Michael Masi allowing Max Verstappen to overtake Lewis Hamilton, who was way ahead, in the last lap to secure his maiden title.

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The decision wasn’t well received with in the F1 community as it still remains a divisive topic. Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton left in disbelief as they felt it to be manipulated decision denying Lewis Hamilton to secure his 8th world title. Lewis Hamilton then went on a period of complete silence in public platforms and social media. The 7 times world champion only broke his silene recently announcing his charity initiative to help underprivileged school children.

Former teammate of Max Verstappen’s father Jos Verstappen and Dutch, LeMans racer  Jeroen Bleekemolen who drove alongside Verstappen in 2008 LeMans in Porsche roping in the LMP-2 class, has come out expressing his opinion on Michael Masi’s decision and the reason behind Lewis hamilton’s silence.  

What Jeroen Bleekemolen had to say about the Abu Dhabi incident and Lewis Hamilton’s silence

Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton on 2021 Abu Dhabi GP podium

Jeroen Bleekemolen said he hopes and expects Lewis Hamilton to continue in Formula 1 as he finds Lewis Hamilton presence in the grid with other more fun. He explained that Lewis Hamilton is trying to increase the pressure on FIA as he wants some individual like Michael Masi out of there. He added that Lewis Hamilton can do that as  ‘the greatest of all’, he has influence to make some people disappear. Bleekemolen added that he finds the silence to be a shame and a bit bland  as he thinks Michael Masi haven’t committed a deliberate attack on Hamilton.

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I expect and hope he continues. It’s more fun when he’s there. Lewis is driven and good enough to last a few more years. He also sees that eighth world title,” Jeroen Bleekemolen told Dutch network NOS.

Hamilton is trying to increase the pressure on motorsport federation FIA and is powerful. I think he wants to get some people out of there, like race director Michael Masi. Lewis wants to turn it upside down. He can do that. As ‘the greatest of all’, he has a lot of influence. Some people will disappear,” Jeroen Bleekemolen explained.

It’s a shame and a bit bland. There was no deliberate attack on Hamilton. That’s just the way it turned out. Race leader Masi decided to restart the race because in his eyes it suited the situation. Not to bother Lewis,” Jeroen Bleekemolen added.

Jeroen Bleekemolen wants Lewis Hamilton to ”put adversity aside” and move on

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton

Jeroen Bleekemolen said he want Lewis Hamilton to move on putting adversities aside as its suits a great champion. He added that Lewis Hamilton should take up Max Verstappen mentality of taking things as it is. Jeroen Bleekemolen  took a did at Hamilton saying he often had And Hamilton decisions supporting him in races.

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At some point, you have to put adversity aside. Don’t linger in something for too long, but keep going. That suits a great champion. As Max Verstappen always says: it is what it is. And Hamilton has often had wind with him,” Jeroen Bleekemolen said.

Also read: Lewis Hamilton breaks his Social media silence for the first time since the Abu Dhabi ‘Robbery’