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F1 talent under fire from Hamilton fans after preference to Verstappen
Who do you prefer, Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton? It is a question that was asked to almost everyone in the world of motorsport in the aftermath of the 2021 title race, which was decided at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich was also asked and gave a clear opinion in 2022. However, his honesty is not appreciated by all.
Drugovich does not make himself popular among Hamilton fans
When asked, Drugovich, the 2022 F2 champion, did not hide his opinion. "Verstappen," he replied when asked during Brazilian podcast Pod Inga to state his preference for one of the two Formula 1 drivers. A bold answer, given Hamilton's skyrocketing popularity in the country in recent years.
The Aston Martin test and reserve driver, who will fill that role again in 2024, justified his answer. "Verstappen may seem like an annoying guy, but he's an honest guy and not fake at all. That is what it is and that’s it," the 23-year-old Brazilian explained.
Drugovich not convinced by Hamilton's attitude
Hamilton gained huge popularity in Brazil in recent years because of his outspoken love for the country and its great hero, Ayrton Senna. The Mercedes driver was even awarded honorary citizenship. However, it is precisely this sudden love for Brazil that Drugovich fails to convince.
"That’s exactly what doesn’t convince me. I have nothing against him. Only now I have had more contact with Verstappen. He is a super nice guy, he is a really good guy, very attentive, accessible… He was super good to me and I admire that, the guy doesn’t even care about what people think. What you represent is there on the track and you just want to drive and that’s it, it’s more or less a version, let’s say a bit of Piquet," Drugovich said.
His statements last year have now gone viral and have caused great outrage among some Hamilton fans on social media. Many Brazilians, who were just hoping for a golden future in F1 for Drugovich, have also been critical of the driver.