In a stunning and emotionally charged interview that has set the motorsport world abuzz, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has spoken candidly about the controversial events surrounding the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — an episode he referred to as a “stolen championship.” Hamilton, known for his typically composed demeanor and professionalism, appeared unusually candid and impassioned as he opened up about what many believe to be one of the most contentious moments in F1 history.
“I probably shouldn’t be saying this…” he began, pausing as if weighing the consequences of his words, “…but I think fans deserve the truth. That championship was taken from me.”
The Mercedes driver was referring to the final race of the 2021 season, where a late-race safety car and a series of unprecedented decisions by then-race director Michael Masi led to a dramatic — and controversial — conclusion. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who had trailed Hamilton for most of the race, was allowed to overtake backmarkers and restart directly behind Hamilton on much fresher tires, leading to a last-lap pass that secured him his first title.
“It wasn’t just about me,” Hamilton explained. “It was about the integrity of the sport. Millions watched that race and were left confused — some outraged, others just heartbroken. I’ve spent my entire life in this sport, and in that moment, it didn’t feel like a competition anymore. It felt manipulated.”
Hamilton’s comments, while bold, echoed the sentiments shared by fans, pundits, and even fellow drivers following the race. The FIA, under intense pressure, launched an investigation and eventually removed Michael Masi from his role, acknowledging procedural errors had occurred — but stopped short of reversing the outcome.
When asked if he believed the FIA acted fairly in the aftermath, Hamilton replied: “They did what they thought would protect the sport’s image, but that doesn’t change what happened. There was no accountability in the way a world championship was decided on the fly.”
The Briton also hinted at the emotional toll the event took on him, revealing that he briefly considered walking away from Formula 1.
“For weeks, I didn’t speak much. I disappeared from social media. I had to question why I kept giving so much to a system that felt rigged in that moment.” Hamilton, however, returned the following season with renewed focus, although Mercedes’ car performance in 2022 and 2023 did not allow him to consistently challenge for wins or titles.
Still, Hamilton has remained a beacon of resilience and leadership in the sport, breaking multiple records and continuing to fight for diversity, equality, and fairness — both on and off the track.
Fans have already responded in droves to Hamilton’s frank remarks. Hashtags like #JusticeForLewis and #StolenChampionship have resurfaced on social media, with many calling for a retrospective reevaluation of the race outcome.
In the closing moments of the interview, Hamilton offered a message of hope: “I can’t go back and change that night in Abu Dhabi. But what I can do is keep racing with everything I have, keep fighting for what’s right, and inspire others to do the same. Whether it’s my eighth title or just another race, I’ll always be driven by purpose, not politics.”
The motorsport world now finds itself reignited with debate — not only over what happened in 2021, but what it means for the future of fair competition in Formula 1. And with Hamilton’s shocking confession out in the open, the calls for transparency, reform, and justic
e may only grow louder.