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Verstappen feeling victimised ahead of final tussle with Hamilton

Max Verstappen feels he is being singled out for punishment from stewards, ahead of Sunday's Form...
Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

15.36 9 Dec 2021


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Verstappen feeling victimised...

Verstappen feeling victimised ahead of final tussle with Hamilton

Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

15.36 9 Dec 2021


Share this article


Max Verstappen feels he is being singled out for punishment from stewards, ahead of Sunday's Formula One season finale. 

There is nothing to separate the Dutch driver from Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes going into the final Grand Prix of the year in Abu Dhabi.

Following his victory in Saudi Arabia last week, Hamilton branded his title rival's driving as "over the limit".

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Hamilton's front wing was damaged in a coming-together with a slowing Verstappen in Jeddah last week, just the latest chapter in a frequently contentious drivers' championship.

"He’s over the limit, for sure," the defending world champion told Sky Sports after the Saudi GP, "I’ve avoided a collision on so many occasions with the guy,” said the Mercedes driver.

“I don’t always mind being the one that does that because you live to fight another day, which I obviously did.”

 

Verstappen and Hamilton have had brushes at both Monza and Silverstone this year, while the former was handed two time penalties for his infractions with Hamilton in Jeddah.

"Clearly things don’t apply for everyone," the Dutchman told reporters on Thursday.

"Things I did in terms of defending, two other guys also did and they didn’t even get a mention or a penalty."

While referencing battles between Charles LeClerc and Carlos Sainz (both Ferrari), and Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) and George Russell (Williams), Verstappen said, "Clearly it’s only me who gets it."

Formula One race director Michael Masi has promised stern punishments if there is any funny business between the two over the weekend.

More eyeballs than ever will be on the season closer, with Channel 4 agreeing a deal with broadcaster Sky Sports to show the Abu Dhabi GP free-to-air on Sunday.

Asked if the extra interest and threats of censure would effect his driving, Verstappen said, "To be honest the only thing I ask for is that it’s fair for everyone.

"Clearly that’s not the case at the moment.

"I don’t feel like I was wrong and clearly it is not wrong for others so why should I then change while for others it's allowed to race like that?

"I think everyone should be allowed to race like that."

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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 Formula 1 Formula One Lewis Hamilton Max Verstappen Motorsport

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