F1 gave 'tiger' Hamilton a 'pull of the tail' in Abu Dhabi

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok believes the sport 'pulled the tail' of "tiger" Lewis Hamilton during last season's championship-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Mercedes driver Hamilton was less than a lap away from claiming a record-breaking eighth world title when rival Max Verstappen made the move that saw the Red Bull driver clinch his maiden triumph.

The Dutchman made the most of a controversial late safety car period, the events of which have seen Michael Masi repositioned within the FIA and a long period of time where Hamilton's future in F1 looked uncertain.

"One of two things was going to happen," Chandhok told Sky Sports F1.

"Either Lewis was going to get disillusioned with the sport, or you'll pull the tail on the tiger. I suspect we've got the latter."

Hamilton 'underestimated' - Di Resta

Hamilton is joined at Mercedes by junior programme graduate George Russell, who has been promoted after three promising years with Williams.

Some within the F1 circus have touted the 24-year-old to spring a surprise against his illustrious team-mate, but former Force India and Williams driver Paul di Resta has warned against betting against Hamilton.

"George is absolutely superb in qualifying, there's no doubt he'll pull laps out and surprise Lewis," says Paul Di Resta.

"But I think people underestimate Lewis and how relentless he is in the race. He's an absolute animal when it comes to what he can get out of the car.

"It also depends what Lewis' mindset is. He seems in good spirits and I think he's still definitely at his prime.

"He will want to prove a point, more than anything, that he can win this eighth world title."

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