Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton 'hug and congratulate each other' in unseen footage

Max Verstappen's true colours have been revealed in footage taken from Lewis Hamilton's car, suggesting the two Formula One stars may have finally buried the hatchet. The pair famously clashed at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Hamilton was narrowly beaten to an eighth title by his Red Bull adversary.

Hamilton, along with many others, felt he was 'robbed' of a record-breaking championship that would have seen him overtake Michael Schumacher. He was overtaken on the final lap in the United Arab Emirates by Verstappen following a controversial decision by former race director Michael Masi, during the decisive 58th and final lap, as the Dutchman celebrated his maiden title.

Despite his disappointment, Hamilton was gracious in defeat, congratulating Verstappen at the earliest opportunity, but was understandably irate as Mercedes began to challenge the result. A rift started to form between the two top drivers in the sport, with Hamilton and team principal Toto Wolff absent from the FIA's Awards Gala when Verstappen was officially crowned champion.

The F1 feud continued as Verstappen went on to secure the next two titles, seemingly on track for a fourth as Mercedes and Hamilton struggled at the start of the 2024 season. However, a rare and touching moment between the pair was captured during the Chinese GP qualifying.

Hamilton started in 18th place after finishing eighth in the sprint race. Verstappen took pole position and won the sprint race, reports the Express. Video of Hamilton's car showed the 39 year old fist-bumping his Red Bull rival before the two hugged and seemed to congratulate each other on their sprint finishes. Both drivers have downplayed reports of a strained relationship, saying they recently