Hamilton: ‘This can’t happen to anyone ever again’

Lewis Hamilton wants to be confident nobody in F1’s future will experience the heartbreak he experienced in Abu Dhabi last year.

The seven-time former World Champion has finally reflected on the agony of being denied a record-breaking eighth Drivers’ title in the cruellest of ways.

Not via an accident, a mistake or a problem with his car, but through the decisions made by race director Michael Masi – who has now been removed from his job.

While the FIA stopped short of directly blaming Masi in their announcement of incoming changes to the management of grands prix, the measures they have taken are a clear signal that the governing body, like Hamilton’s Mercedes team, see him as having been at fault.

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Speaking at Mercedes’ launch of the W13 car, in which he will try to avenge being denied the title by Max Verstappen, Hamilton said he is keen for there to be no repeat of what he had been through, either for himself or any other driver.

W13’s first laps = @LewisHamilton, you better drop the video! pic.twitter.com/nqGoDnAan2

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 18, 2022

“What I will say, while we can’t change the past, and nothing will ever really be able to change the way and how I felt at the time and how I feel about the situation, it’s good to see the FIA are taking steps to make improvements,” said Hamilton.

“I think accountability is key, and we have to use this moment to make sure this never happens