© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
After Max Verstappen won his second world title with four races remaining, Lewis Hamilton says “for the fans it is a bit of a shame that the battle has been decided so quickly this year”.
Max Verstappen has won his second Formula 1 world title at the Japanese Grand Prix. For this occasion Dutch broadcaster NOS asked Lewis Hamilton what it was like to win his second world title back in 2014 – his first title with Mercedes’ works team.
“It happened in 2014 and changed my life quite a bit,” the Briton said.
“I had been dry since 2008. That made it extra special, especially because everyone thought I was crazy that I had switched from McLaren to Mercedes.
“The switch to Mercedes was an adventure. A leap of faith, but I took the gamble because I had faith in these people. That made my second title so great and special.
“Of course I also doubted whether I had made the right decision, especially in phases that were disappointing. But we got rid of all the stories that we were not good enough.
“2014 was like a catapult. Look at what we all achieved and achieved together after that. What unprecedented successes with Mercedes. And that was all set in motion by my second world title.”
If you like SilverArrows.Net, consider supporting us by buying us a coffee!
Since Verstappen clinched the 2022 title with four races still remaining until the end of the season, Lewis explained how it’s more exciting for the fans when the title is decided in the last race – like it was when he won his first world title back in 2008.
“I have experienced it myself a few times, for example in Mexico. For an athlete that is great [to win the world title early].
“Ultimately that is what you do it all for, but for the fans it is a bit of a shame that the battle has been decided so quickly this year.
“You also miss the release. It’s just less spectacular. You prefer an apotheosis in the last grand prix. [In 2008] the title was won in the last 17 seconds of the race. I’m glad I experienced that.
“Let’s hope next year will be a little more exciting,” the Briton concluded.
