Lewis Hamilton: “At the moment it feels like it’s just another championship”

The first part of the final confrontation between Max Verstappen et Lewis Hamilton did not produce a great television moment. Too bad for Sky Sports who had decided and obtained authorization to broadcast the press conference between the two protagonists of the best season of the decade on the eve of its grand finale in Abu Dhabi.

Between them was the object of all their desires: the trophy that the winner of the world championship of Formula 1 2021. Where two boxers competing for the heavyweight belt would have looked at each other, intimidated with their gaze, and probably insulted, Verstappen and Hamilton were content to royally ignore each other.

It must be said that the Dutchman had already emptied his bag a little earlier during another press briefing during which he declared that he felt treated differently from other drivers. Most of the questions were therefore addressed to his rival, who did not seek to add fuel to the fire but still sent a few messages.

« The team and I are on the threshold of uncharted territory, because no one has ever won 8 championships, declared Hamilton in the preamble. When I look back at the season, I am convinced that many people did not imagine that we would be able to play for the title until the end.

Right now, I feel like it’s just another championship. I always make sure to attack each season as if it were the first and I didn’t have any titles. I put myself in the shoes of the hunter and train in that state of mind.

That's why I keep Number 44 on my car instead of arriving with Number 1. I don't consider myself the champion. I see myself as a candidate for the title of champion ».

Asked about the behavior of his opponent, penalized doubly in Jeddah for his aggressive driving, the seven-time world champion repeated that he had “ don't want to waste (S)we energy on these kinds of questions ". " I can't control the things around me, I can only control what I do and how I prepare “added Hamilton.

Diplomat through and through

FIA race director Michael Masi considered it appropriate to carry out a preventive call to order by slipping into its pre-GP instructions that it was possible to exclude a driver or a team from a competition in the event of unsporting behavior.

This had been the case of Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) in 1997 after an electric final and a deliberate collision with Jacques Villeneuve (Williams) near Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).

« This kind of event has happened before and I'm pretty sure the commissioners didn't take these kinds of precautions., Hamilton reacted. It's normal that they do it. Hopefully these items won't need to be used and we'll have a great race before moving on.

I am here to do my job without going through the commissioners box and I imagine that the converse is also true! (laughs) »

The pilot Mercedes, who has as many points as his rival (369,5) but one victory less (8 against 9 for Verstappen) and therefore occupies 2nd place in the Drivers' standings, also returned to the comments he had made at the against the pilot Red Bull in Jeddah.

During a completely crazy Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton described Verstappen as “ fucking weirdo » during one of his robust defenses.

« When we're in the middle of a race, we say a whole bunch of things in the heat of the moment, tempered the Briton at Yas Marina. The adrenaline gets your nerves on edge. I would say it was an expression like that.

As racing drivers, I'd say we're both a little crazy about taking the kind of risks we take. (laughs).”

Given that a double retirement would allow Verstappen to be titled, it is not impossible to think that the idea crosses the minds of the Red Bull clan, even if fleetingly. What does Hamilton think? Does he trust his rival?

« I would like to believe that everyone wants to be fair, but I don't let that kind of thought invade my mind. Hamilton replied calmly, diplomatic through and through.

Now on to the track!