Max Verstappen, the current double-world champion, was once lavished with adulation by Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony Hamilton. The Dutchman is someone who has the potential to win the global championship, according to Anthony in 2019.
Verstappen, ironically, defeated Lewis to win his first championship in the 2021 season. The 25-year-old defeated the British competitor by eight points by taking the contentious season finale that year in Abu Dhabi.
Max Is an Amazing Driver: Anthony Hamilton was all praises for Verstappen
When discussing Max Verstappen’s star-studded qualities with Sky Sports F1 in 2019, Anthony Hamilton commented, “Max to be quite honest is an amazing driver.” He is unquestionably a man of the future.
Verstappen still had only six victories at the time of the interview, compared to Lewis’ 79 victories, and the interviewer continued by saying that it was still early for him. Anthony said, “He (Verstappen) will get there” after hearing this. He is a terrific driver, in my opinion.
Anthony first complimented the Dutchman before turning to his own son. He asserted that anyone who wagers against Lewis would be a dangerous man since Lewis is a person who is not only wise but also experienced.
Anthony finished by saying that Lewis has a trait that only a select few other F1 drivers have. He claimed that the 38-year-old is one of the very few drivers who are capable of producing an amazing lap time out of thin air.
Anthony Hamilton speaks to @SkySportsNews about the Lewis vs Max Verstappen debate:
"You'd be a dangerous man betting against Lewis Hamilton.
"It's a special talent that Lewis has. There are a few drivers who have it and they're on their way – but they're not quite there yet." pic.twitter.com/7CFNcEQ9jI
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 13, 2019
Verstappen Beat Hamilton to The Title In 2021
The world championship race that went all the way to the season finale in Abu Dhabi in the 2021 F1 season produced one of the most spectacular title fights ever. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen both had identical point totals going into the season’s final race, meaning it was winner takes all.
Even though the British driver had the lead for the majority of the race and appeared to be headed for a record-extending eighth world championship, it was not to be. Verstappen’s victory in the race was unexpectedly altered by several contentious decisions made by race control. In the end, the Dutchman passed Hamilton on the last lap to capture his first championship.