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Lewis Hamilton praised by bitter F1 rival over the moment his ‘world fell apart’

Lewis Hamilton has received an unexpected tribute from a once bitter rival for the class he showed in the immediate aftermath of that agonising F1 title defeat at Abu Dhabi 2021.

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 6:14 AM
Lewis Hamilton praised by bitter F1 rival over the moment his ‘world fell apart’
Key Things to Know
  • Christian Horner praised Lewis Hamilton for his class and grace after losing the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
  • Horner stated on the Up To Speed podcast that it must have been immensely difficult for Hamilton to congratulate him and Max Verstappen.
  • Hamilton missed out on a record eighth world championship after race director Michael Masi made controversial late-race safety car calls.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner praised Lewis Hamilton for the grace and class he displayed following his controversial title defeat at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Horner noted how deeply impressed he was by Hamilton's ability to stand on the podium and congratulate both him and Max Verstappen despite Hamilton's world having just fallen apart.

Hamilton had been leading the finale before a late safety car and contentious decisions by race director Michael Masi allowed Verstappen to pass him on the final lap. Horner also commended Hamilton's father, Anthony, for magnanimously congratulating the Red Bull team before post-race protests began in the stewards' office.

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