Lewis Hamilton (PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)Lewis Hamilton will now be “bored” of fans insisting he was unfairly denied the Formula One world title in Abu Dhabi, according to David Coulthard.
Max Verstappen swooped to the 2021 crown in controversial circumstances last month, a scenario which is now being reviewed by the FIA.
F1 reconvenes in Spain next month to begin pre-season testing ahead of the new campaign and former McLaren and Red Bull racer Coulthard believes Hamilton’s “emotional detachment” will have helped him get over the defeat. Furthermore, the Scot does not expect him to retire as a result.
Coulthard told the Telegraph: “I think he will be bored with everyone saying to him, ‘You were robbed, Lewis!’ or ‘You’re the people’s champion, Lewis!’. He’ll be avoiding even having those conversations.
“The big decision was when he committed to that new two-year contract midway through last season, I don’t think Abu Dhabi changes anything.
“Of course he would have liked to have won. And I think he was very emotional, as anyone would be under the circumstances. But I think the reality is the shock was probably far less for him than it would have been for Toto [Wolff, Mercedes team boss], or the rest of the team, or his fans.
“I can’t compare myself to Lewis in terms of success or speed but one thing I think I can relate to is that emotional detachment, once the moment’s gone.
“The euphoria of success wears off quite quickly, and the disappointment of defeat wears off quite quickly as well.”
