Carlos Sainz: I've even more respect for Lewis Hamilton after Abu Dhabi finale

Ferrari ace Carlos Sainz has said that his respect for Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has only increased further after the way the Briton conducted himself after the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi at the end of last season.

The final few laps of the final race of the 2021 Formula 1 campaign need no introduction now, and the FIA investigation into what actually went on is ongoing as we head towards the 2022 campaign.

Ultimately, though, the result cannot be changed and it was Max Verstappen who won the Grand Prix and, therefore, the championship with him standing on the top step at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Indeed, either side of him were Hamilton who, of course, was second and Carlos Sainz in third as he capped off a strong end to 2021 to seal fifth place in the Drivers’ standings behind the two Mercedes and Red Bull drivers.

It was a nice way to end his year, certainly, but what he remembers most is Hamilton’s conduct post-race despite apparently ‘struggling’ to understand what had just happened:

“Losing the title on the last lap like that, it’s just hard to accept,” Sainz told Corriere della Sera

“I respect him more than before for the way he managed to do it. We had a few words on the podium, he was really struggling [to comprehend the situation].”

Hamilton was far from the only person trying to get his head around the last few minutes of the race, whilst Sainz was far from the only person impressed with the way Lewis handled himself.

The Briton has since been through and ended a social media break and appears ready to attack 2022, and Sainz will be hoping to challenge him and Max for more podiums this year.