
Hamilton opens up on Abu Dhabi controversy "fears"
F1 News
Hamilton opens up on Abu Dhabi controversy "fears"

Lewis Hamilton has revealed his "worst fears came alive" when being 'cheated' out of an eighth world championship.
The Briton was on course to break the record for most F1 titles - currently shared with Michael Schumacher on seven - when a late safety car was deployed at last season's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale.
The decisions that were made by then-FIA race director Michael Masi created a fractious atmosphere the sport is still trying to repair, with Max Verstappen capitalising to clinch his maiden title on the very final lap of the campaign.
Mercedes driver Hamilton has opened up on the event in the September edition of Vanity Fair.
“You see things start to unfold and my worst fears came alive," said Hamilton.
"I was like, there’s no way they’re going to cheat me out of this. There’s no way. That won’t happen. Surely not.”
“I don’t know if I can really put into words the feeling that I had.
“I do remember just sitting there just in disbelief. And realizing I’ve got to undo my belts, I’ve got to get out of there, I’ve got to climb out of this thing, I’ve got to find the strength.
"I had no strength and it was one of the toughest moments, I would say, that I’ve had in a long, long time.”
On whether he felt cheated, Hamilton replied: “I knew what had happened. I knew what decisions had been made and why. Yes, I knew that something wasn’t right.”
Presenting our September cover star, Sir @LewisHamilton.
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) August 8, 2022
With seven Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship titles to his name—and another year remaining on his contract with Mercedes—the maverick driver is keeping his eyes on the road ahead.
🔗: https://t.co/GtJQ3KCdci pic.twitter.com/YHVioHAXNU
Hamilton details "profound" father embrace
Hamilton was consoled after the race by father Anthony, before taking to the podium alongside his victorious rival.
But from that point onwards, Hamilton disappeared from the public eye until January, just weeks before this year's Mercedes challenger was unveiled.
Addressing the moment with his father, Hamilton explained: “He embraced me, and I think he was like, ‘I want you to know how proud I am of you'.
"Having your father embrace you in that way is one of the most profound things I’ve ever… especially as you’ve grown up not many times having that.”
Related news

Hamilton 'even hungrier now' as Mercedes star shares cherished memory

Lewis Hamilton congratulates LeBron James for breaking NBA scoring record

Lewis Hamilton reveals his most bizarre fan gifts

Hamilton reveals 'purpose' and lifts lid on psychology between rivals - Lewis Hamilton F1 Recap
Most read

F1 LIVE - Party fever: McLaren names 2023 car

Ricciardo responds to Red Bull Bathurst snub

'Taking car leak to a whole new level' - Social media goes WILD after Alfa Romeo launch fail

F1 calendar meltdown warning as Montoya lays in on Ferrari - GPFans F1 Recap

Embarrassing launch gaffe as Alfa Romeo leak their own car
F1 Standings

Races
-
Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2023
-
Grand Prix of China 2023
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
-
Miami Grand Prix 2023
-
Pirelli Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
-
Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
-
Grand Prix of Spain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Canada 2023
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2023
-
Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
-
Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2023
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2023
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2023
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
-
Grand Prix of Brazil 2023
-
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media

7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860