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F1 journalist Andrew Wright says the fact that Lewis Hamilton was “by most accounts robbed of the 2021 title has been quickly forgotten by people keen for an easy soundbite”.
In his column on Total Motorsport, F1 journalist Andrew Wright raises a valid point – that a lot of pundits and observers choose to ignore what happened at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when discussing Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
“Pundits and fans of F1 have notoriously short memories,” Wright wrote.
“That Hamilton was, by most accounts, robbed of the 2021 title has been quickly forgotten by people keen for an easy soundbite.
“It’s always the way in sport. With enormous success comes enormous scrutiny and a litany of critics, and Hamilton has been on the receiving end of this phenomenon more than most.
“There have been calls for him to retire, or at least think about it, claims that he’s lost his raw speed or his motivation to continue, while his most impassioned haters will always try to diminish his record-setting achievements.
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“All the while Verstappen is lauded as one of the greatest of all time. It’s bizarre.”
Wright went on to write that in his opinion, Lewis remains the driver most capable of challenging and beating Verstappen.
“The Dutchman is an exceptional driver, of that there is no doubt, but he has little competition in this current era of regulations.
“For all Charles Leclerc is rapid over a single lap, last year proved he is still far too prone to race-day errors to become a world champion.
“The same can be said for his teammate Carlos Sainz, and he lacks the Monegasque’s inherent pace for good measure, while Ferrari have gone backwards in 2023.
“Perez is exactly what Red Bull need him to be. Good enough to ensure they win the constructors’ championship without putting their prized asset under any serious pressure for the drivers’ title.
“Verstappen wrapped that up with four races to spare last year, and will likely do similar this season.
“Russell and Alonso have been the other standout performers of 2023 but could they really live with the consistency of Verstappen over an entire season at this stage of their respective careers? I’m not sure.
“He may not be the bold, risk-taker of his McLaren days, but the reality is that Hamilton remains the driver most capable of going toe-to-toe with Verstappen on equal footing and coming out on top.
“It happened less than two years ago and there is no reason to think it couldn’t happen again.
“The only question mark is whether he will get the chance to prove it,” Wright concluded.
