‘I had no strength’: Lewis Hamilton almost quit F1 after Verstappen controversy, calls it 'toughest moments' of career

One of the most decorated stars of Formula One racing, Lewis Hamilton revealed that he contemplated quitting the sport after the controversy involving rival Max Verstappen in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year. Hamilton missed out on a record eighth-championship title due to a controversial finish in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which was won by the Red Bull driver, following which he also went to win the title.

File photo of formula one racer Lewis Hamilton(AFP)

Hamiton recalled the episode in an interview with Vanity Fair magazine recently, where he was quoted saying: “I don’t know if I can really put into words the feeling that I had. I do remember just sitting there in disbelief. And realising I’ve got to undo my belts, I’ve got to get out of there, I’ve got to climb out of this thing, I’ve got to find the strength. I had no strength. And it was one of the toughest moments, I would say, that I’ve had in a long, long time."

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The Brit further stated that it was his father, who lent him the much-needed support, which motivated him to move on from the closed chapter. “He(Hamilton's father) embraced me, and I think he was like, ‘I want you to know how proud I am of you.’ Having your father embrace you in that way is one of the most profound things I’ve ever,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton, who's contract with Mercedes gets over next season, is now completely over the entire episode. “I’m still on the mission, I’m still loving driving, I’m still being challenged by it. So I don’t really feel like I have to give it up anytime soon,” he said.

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