Verstappen doesn't understand Hamilton's sadness: 'Don't think it's so bad'

It was clear that Hamilton was devastated by his loss in Abu Dhabi. The Briton disappeared shortly after the race and didn't let on for weeks. It looked like the seven-time world champion was going to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, until Nicholas Latifi's crash in the final laps. The safety car eventually allowed Verstappen to overtake him on fresher tires.

In conversation with The Guardian it is suggested that Verstappen would have been devastated if he had suffered Hamilton's fate. The Dutchman finds it difficult to put himself in his rival's shoes, as the Mercedes driver has many more titles to his name.

Verstappen doesn't find situation very painful

"If I was already a seven-time world champion it hurts a bit less than when I am fighting for my first, leading all the way, controlling it all the way, and then losing it on the last lap. That would be way more painful than already having seven in the bag," says Verstappen, who won his first-ever world title in Abu Dhabi.

If Hamilton had taken the title in Abu Dhabi, he would have won a historic eighth title, surpassing Michael Schumacher's record. Verstappen shrugged. "Just look back on the seven you have. I don’t think it’s so bad, is it?”